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Abstract:

In a digital camera having a wireless communicator with a server, a
storage controller treats full size image data and display size image
data unequally if the full size image data has been already sent to the
server. For example, the display size image data is not allowed to be
replaced by new digital image data unless the digital camera is not in
use over a prescribed time. Own image data and other's image data are
treated equally. Image data received from outside and retrieved from
inside memory are treated equally. Search key for own image data and
related search keys existing in the outside are indicated in a comparable
manner. The digital camera receives search key from neighboring
advertiser to send it for Internet search of advertisement. Search key
received from neighboring notable site is sent for Internet search of
photographs of the notable site taken by others.

Claims:

1. A digital camera with communication function comprising: an image
taking portion adapted to capture an image; a wireless communicator
adapted to send digital image data derived from the image taking portion
to outside of the digital camera and to receive digital image data from
outside of the digital camera; a display adapted to display digital image
data; an image storage portion adapted to store digital image data
derived form the image taking portion and digital image data received
through the wireless communicator, the digital image data stored in the
image storage including full size image data depending on the image
taking portion and display image data in a size suitable for displaying
on the display; and a storage controller adapted to treat the full size
image data and the display image data unequally in the image storage
portion if the full size image data has been already sent to outside of
the digital camera.

2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the storage
controller is adapted to allow the full size image data to be replaced by
new digital image data in the image storage portion more easily than the
display image data.

3. The digital camera according to claim 2, wherein the storage
controller is adapted to allow the display image data to be replaced by
new digital image data under a condition.

4. The digital camera according to claim 2, wherein the new digital image
data includes one of digital image data derived form the image taking
portion and digital image data received through the wireless
communicator.

5. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the storage
controller is adapted to treat the digital image data received through
the wireless communicator the same as the digital image data derived form
the image taking portion.

6. The digital camera according to claim 1 further comprising a display
controller adapted to treat the digital image data received through the
wireless communicator the same as the digital image data retrieved from
the image storage portion, whereby the display with the wireless
communicator effective is equal to the display with the wireless
communicator ineffective.

7. The digital camera according to claim 1 further comprising a capacity
indicator adapted to indicate information relating to the room for the
image storage portion to store new digital image data, wherein the
capacity indicator is adapted to make an indication if an extra room for
the new digital image data can be secured by replacing the stored display
image data.

8. The digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising a search
key affixing controller adapted to affix a search key to the image data
as an attribute thereof and a search key indication controller adapted to
indicate the affixed search keys and related search keys on the display
in a comparable manner, the related search keys being received through
the wireless communicator among search keys existing outside the digital
camera and including a search key related to the affixed search key and a
search key identical with the affixed search key if any.

9. A digital camera with communication function comprising: an image
taking portion adapted to capture an image; a wireless communicator
adapted to send digital image data derived from the image taking portion
to outside of the digital camera and to receive digital image data from
outside of the digital camera; a display adapted to display digital image
data; an image storage portion adapted to store digital image data
derived form the image taking portion and digital image data received
through the wireless communicator; a storage controller adapted to
control the digital image data in the image storage portion in relation
to the sending and receiving of the digital image data through the
wireless communicator; a search key affixing controller adapted to affix
a search key to the image data as an attribute thereof; and a search key
indication controller adapted to indicate the affixed search keys and
related search keys on the display in a comparable manner, the related
search keys being received through the wireless communicator among search
keys existing outside the digital camera and including a search key
related to the affixed search key and a search key identical with the
affixed search key if any.

10. The digital camera according to claim 9, wherein the search key
indication controller is adapted to indicate on the display a search key
which is in common between the affixed search keys and related search
keys.

11. The digital camera according to claim 9, wherein the search key
affixing controller is adapted to copy one of the related search keys as
a new affixing search key.

12. The digital camera according to claim 9 further comprising a manual
operating portion, wherein the search key affixing controller is
responsive to the manual operating portion in affixing the search key.

13. The digital camera according to claim 9, wherein the search key
affixing controller is adapted to automatically affix the search key
received through the wireless communicator.

14. The digital camera according to claim 9 further comprising a search
controller adapted to send the search key to an outside server on
Internet through the wireless communicator to have it carry out the
search on the sent search key, wherein the search controller is further
adapted to receive a search key from the neighborhood of the digital
camera through the wireless communicator and send it to the outside
server on Internet through the wireless communicator

15. A digital camera with communication function comprising: an image
taking portion adapted to capture an image; a wireless communicator
adapted to send digital image data derived from the image taking portion
to outside of the digital camera and to receive digital image data from
outside of the digital camera; a display adapted to display digital image
data; an image storage portion adapted to store digital image data
derived form the image taking portion and digital image data received
through the wireless communicator; a storage controller adapted to
control the digital image data in the image storage portion in relation
to the sending and receiving of the digital image data through the
wireless communicator; and a search controller adapted to receive search
key from the neighborhood of the digital camera through the wireless
communicator and to send it to an outside server on Internet through the
wireless communicator to have it carry out the search on the sent search
key.

16. The digital camera according to claim 15 further comprising a search
result controller adapted to receive search result form the outside
server through the wireless communicator for displaying the received
search result on the display.

17. The digital camera according to claim 16, wherein the search result
includes digital image data relating to the search key.

18. The digital camera according to claim 16, wherein the search result
includes Weblog relating to the search key.

19. The digital camera according to claim 15, wherein the neighborhood
includes an advertiser, and wherein the search result includes the
advertisement of the advertiser.

20. The digital camera according to claim 15, wherein the neighborhood
includes a notable site, and wherein the search result includes digital
image data of photographs of the notable site taken by others, which may
be of some help of taking a new photograph of the same notable site.

Description:

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a Continuation Application of U.S. application
Ser. No. 11/754,291 filed May 27, 2007, herein incorporated by reference
in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to a digital camera, and more specifically
to a digital camera capable of communication function.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Various types of digital cameras capable of communication function
have been proposed in this field of art. For example, it is proposed that
digital image data taken by the digital camera is sent to an outside
server.

[0006] One reason of sending the digital image data to the outside server
is caused by a limited capacity of the digital camera to store the
digital image data. In other words, the digital camera would become free
from the limitation to the image storing capacity if the taken image data
is sent to the server for making it possible for the digital camera to
delete the sent image data for securing a room for newly taken image
data. Another reason of sending the digital image data to the outside is
to share the taken images among a closed group or in open public for fun.

[0007] Also in the field of mobile phones capable of photo taking
function, which is considered to be a type of digital camera capable of
communication function, the similar sending or sharing of digital images
by means of a picture archiving and communication system on Internet
becomes popular as well as the direct sending of the digital image data
between the mobile phones.

[0009] In terms of the sharing of the digital image data, on the other
hand, various proposals have been also made from the side of picture
archiving and communication systems on Internet, which provide services
for accepting uploaded digital image data from the creator thereof or
allowing anyone to download digital images of others open to the public.

[0010] In this field of art, however, proposals relating to the sending of
the digital image data have not been fully enjoyed as a function of
digital cameras easy to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An object of this invention is to provide a digital camera capable
of communication function easy to use.

[0012] Another object of this invention is to provide a digital camera in
which the communication function is naturally incorporated into the
conventional digital camera utility.

[0013] Still another object of this invention is to provide a digital
camera with its usefulness broadened.

[0014] To achieve one of the above objects, this invention provides a
digital camera comprising an image taking portion, a wireless
communicator adapted to send digital image data derived from the image
taking portion to outside of the digital camera and to receive digital
image data from outside of the digital camera, a display, and an image
storage portion adapted to store digital image data derived form the
image taking portion and digital image data received through the wireless
communicator. The digital image data stored in the image storage includes
full size image data depending on the image taking portion and display
image data in a size suitable for displaying on the display. And, the
digital camera according to this invention further comprises a storage
controller adapted to treat the full size image data and the display
image data unequally in the image storage portion if the full size image
data has been already sent to outside of the digital camera.

[0015] For example, the storage controller is adapted to allow the full
size image data to be replaced by new digital image data in the image
storage portion more easily than the display image data. In more
specifically, the storage controller is adapted to allow the display
image data to be replaced by new digital image data under a condition.

[0016] The new digital image data includes, for example, digital image
data derived form the image taking portion or digital image data received
through the wireless communicator, or the both.

[0017] In the above digital camera according to this invention, the full
size image data which has been already sent to outside of the digital
camera is needless to be kept in the image storage portion at all. On the
contrary, the display image data, which is basically to be replaced by
new image data sometime, is kept as long as it is highly expected to be
played back again. For example, display image data for a picture newly
taken by the digital camera is protected from being replaced by new image
data unless the digital camera is not in use over a prescribed period of
time, e.g. more than three hours, after the date changes. This is also
true for display image data newly received through the wireless
communicator for playback. Thus, playback of the image highly expected
soon is possible without receiving the same through the wireless
communicator. This is the reason why the full size image data and the
display image data are treated unequally in the image storage portion.

[0018] According to a detailed feature of this invention, the storage
controller is adapted to treat the digital image data received through
the wireless communicator the same as the digital image data derived form
the image taking portion. Thus, the display is equal regardless of
whether the digital image data is own or of others.

[0019] According to another detailed feature of this invention, the
digital camera further comprises a display controller adapted to treat
the digital image data received through the wireless communicator the
same as the digital image data retrieved from the image storage portion.
Thus, the display is equal regardless of whether the wireless
communicator is used or not.

[0020] According to still another detailed feature of this invention, the
digital camera further comprises a capacity indicator adapted to indicate
information relating to the room for the image storage portion to store
new digital image data, wherein the capacity indicator is adapted to make
an indication if an extra room for the new digital image data can be
secured by replacing the stored display image data. Thus, the user is
informed of the deletion of the display image data in advance.

[0021] This invention also provides a digital camera comprising an image
taking portion adapted to capture an image, a wireless communicator
adapted to send digital image data derived from the image taking portion
to outside of the digital camera and to receive digital image data from
outside of the digital camera, a display, an image storage portion
adapted to store digital image data derived form the image taking portion
and digital image data received through the wireless communicator, and a
storage controller adapted to control the digital image data in the image
storage portion in relation to the sending and receiving of the digital
image data through the wireless communicator. The digital camera
according to this invention further comprises a search key affixing
controller adapted to affix a search key to the image data as an
attribute thereof, and a search key indication controller adapted to
indicate the affixed search keys and related search keys on the display
in a comparable manner. The related search keys are received through the
wireless communicator among search keys existing outside the digital
camera. And, the related search keys include a search key related to the
affixed search key and a search key identical with the affixed search key
if any.

[0022] In the above digital camera according to this invention, search key
affixation to the own digital image data is facilitated since the affixed
search keys and related search keys existing outside the digital camera
are indicated on the display in a comparable manner. In other words, the
user who wants own digital image hit in search by others can edit the own
search key affixation by consulting with the comparison with the related
search key indication.

[0023] According to a detailed feature above of this invention, the search
key indication controller is adapted to indicate on the display a search
key which is in common between the affixed search keys and related search
keys. This informs the user of whether or not the affixed search key is
popular.

[0024] According to another detailed feature above of this invention the
search key affixing controller is adapted to copy one of the related
search keys as a new affixing search key. Thus, the user can easily adopt
a popular search key.

[0025] The above various features relating to the indication of the
affixed search keys and related search keys on the display in a
comparable manner are also useful if they are applied to a personal
computer.

[0026] According to still another detailed feature above of this
invention, the digital camera further comprises a manual operating
portion, wherein the search key affixing controller is responsive to the
manual operating portion in affixing the search key. Or, alternatively,
the search key affixing controller is adapted to automatically affix the
search key received through the wireless communicator. Thus, the initial
affixation of the search key is possible by manual or automatic means.

[0027] This invention also provides a digital camera comprising an image
taking portion, a wireless communicator adapted to send digital image
data derived from the image taking portion to outside of the digital
camera and to receive digital image data from outside of the digital
camera, a display, an image storage portion adapted to store digital
image data derived form the image taking portion and digital image data
received through the wireless communicator, and a storage controller
adapted to control the digital image data in the image storage portion in
relation to the sending and receiving of the digital image data through
the wireless communicator. The digital camera according to this invention
further comprises a search controller adapted to receive search key from
the neighborhood of the digital camera through the wireless communicator
and to send it to an outside server on Internet through the wireless
communicator to have it carry out the search on the sent search key.

[0028] In the above digital camera according to this invention, the
neighboring information automatically comes in the form of the search key
by means of approaching there, and is obtainable in detail as the form of
search result.

[0029] According to a detailed feature above of this invention, the
digital camera further comprises a search result controller adapted to
receive search result form the outside server through the wireless
communicator for displaying the received search result on the display. In
more detail, the search result includes digital image data or Weblog
relating to the search key.

[0030] The above feature according to this invention is typical applicable
to a case that the neighborhood includes an advertiser, and that the
search result includes the advertisement of the advertiser.

[0031] Another example of application of the above feature is a case that
the neighborhood includes a notable site, and that the search result
includes digital image data of photographs of the notable site taken by
others, which may be of some help of taking a new photograph of the same
notable site.

[0032] Other features and advantages according to this invention will be
readily understood from the detailed description of the preferred
embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital camera system according to
the first embodiment of this invention.

[0034]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a digital camera system according to
the second embodiment of this invention.

[0035]FIG. 4 is a schematic external view of a principal part of the
digital camera in FIG. 3 to show camera operating portion and monitor in
which thumbnails are shown for playback of the image.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a schematic external view of a principal part of the
digital camera in the playback mode, which is similar to FIG. 4 except
for what is displayed on monitor.

[0037]FIG. 6 is a schematic external view of a principal part of the
digital camera in the playback mode, which is similar to FIGS. 4 and 5
except for what is displayed on monitor.

[0038]FIG. 7 is a schematic external view of a principal part of the
digital camera in the photo taking mode, which is similar to FIGS. 4 and
5 except for what is displayed on monitor.

[0039]FIG. 8 is a flow chart of the basic function of camera controller
in the first digital camera of the first embodiment in FIG. 3.

[0040]FIG. 9 is a flow chart of the function of camera controller when
thumbnail button is pushed in the display condition in FIG. 5.

[0041]FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the detail of the image display
process in step S16 of FIG. 8 and step S26 of FIG. 9.

[0042]FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the detail of the image search
process in step S30 of FIG. 9.

[0043]FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the detail of the photo taking mode
process in step S34 of FIG. 9 and step S62 of FIG. 10.

[0044]FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the detail of the display image
getting process in step S50 of FIG. 10.

[0045]FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the detail of the image recording
process in step S112 of FIG. 12.

[0046]FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the detail of the image upload
process in step S124 of FIG. 12.

[0047]FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing the detail of the capacity
indication process in step S9 of FIG. 8 and step S128 of FIG. 12.

[0048] FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the detail of the automatic
attribute affixation process in step S122 of FIG. 12.

[0049]FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the detail of the attribute edition
process in step S58 of FIG. 10 and step S126 of FIG. 12.

[0050]FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the detail of the advertisement
utilizing process in step S304 of FIG. 18.

[0051]FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the detail of the edition executing
process in step S300 of FIG. 18.

[0052] FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the search function carried out by
integrated image administration server in cooperation with the search
result updating process of the first digital camera carried out in step
S10 of FIG. 8 or step S92 of FIG. 11.

[0053]FIG. 23 is a flow chart of the function of camera controller of the
first digital camera relating to advertisement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0054] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital camera system according to
the first embodiment of this invention. The system in FIG. 1 includes the
first digital camera 1 and the second digital camera 2 as the most
simplified case. However, the system according to this invention may
further includes a third or more digital cameras

[0055] The first digital camera 1 and the second digital camera 2 have
functions identical with each other. Therefore, the explanation is
basically made only on the basis of the first camera 1 unless the first
digital camera 1 and the second digital camera 2 cooperate with each
other.

[0056] The first digital camera 1 has a local wireless communication
function which automatically connects the first digital camera 1 with
wireless access point 3 to access Internet 4 when the digital camera 1
comes into the communication range of access point 3. The connection is
kept in constant connection until the first digital camera 1 goes out of
the communication range. Alternatively, the first digital camera 1 is
capable of accessing Internet 4 through a wired access point. If any
access point is not available, the digital camera 1 can be in
communication with a mobile phone by way of wired or wireless connection,
the mobile phone connecting the digital camera 1 to Internet by means of
the phone line

[0057] The first digital camera 1 is capable of being charged by a power
source at the access point through a wired connection or a wireless
electromagnetic induction. For example, the first digital camera 1 is
charged by and in communication with a wired access point by means of
connecting the first digital camera 1 to a composite power and
communication cable taken from under the table if the wired access point
is a coffee shop. Or, the first digital camera 1 is charged by a wireless
access point by means of putting the first digital camera 1 on a table
with an electromagnetic induction charger build onto the table if the
wireless access point is another type of coffee shop. In this case, a
wireless communication is possible since the table is located within the
communication range of the access point.

[0058] Thus, the first digital camera 1 in constant connection to Internet
4 is to automatically send digital image taken by the first digital
camera 1 to the first picture archiving and communication system 5 in
accordance with a contract which has been made between the first digital
camera 1 and the first picture archiving and communication system 5.

[0059] The digital image sent to and kept by the first picture archiving
and communication system 5 can be retrieved by the first digital camera 1
for display in response to a playback operation at the first digital
camera 1. In other words, the playback operation automatically causes the
first digital camera 1 to access the contracted web page provided by the
first picture archiving and communication system 5 through Internet 4 to
thereby download the image in a size suitable for display on the monitor
of the first digital camera 1.

[0060] Provided that the original of the image in full size is kept by the
first picture archiving and communication system 5, the full size image
data itself is not retrieved by the first digital camera 1 for keeping it
on the digital camera 1 side, but the image data in the reduced size
suitable for display on the monitor of the first digital camera 1 is
temporarily downloaded every time when the playback operation is done to
access the first picture archiving and communication system 5. In other
words, the first digital camera 1 serves as a browser of the reduced size
of image data provided by the first picture archiving and communication
system 5. The reduced size of image data once downloaded is not
positively deleted after the playback but is kept as long as the capacity
of the memory is available in case a possible communication failure when
the same image will be desired to be displayed again. The oldest one of
such image data unless protected, however, is to be replaced by a newly
downloaded image if the capacity of the memory will be full.

[0061] Upon the playback of the image, the first digital camera 1 can
access integrated image administration server 6 to search among a great
number of thumbnails for identifying the desired image, and then jump to
the corresponding image kept by the first picture archiving and
communication system 5 in place of directly accessing to the first
picture archiving and communication system 5. This is possible by
assigning a URL to each image data. The image search on integrated image
administration server 6 and its cooperation with the first picture
archiving and communication system 5 will be explained later in detail.

[0062] The first picture archiving and communication system 5 keeps not
only the digital images but also Weblog created on the digital images.
Further, not only the provider of the digital image but also anyone of
the audience of the digital image can write in the Weblog an opinion or
thought on the image.

[0063] The digital image kept in the first picture archiving and
communication system 5 can be retrieved though the first personal
computer 7 located in the home of the person who owns of the first
digital camera 1, the image being displayed on the first monitor 8
connected to the first personal computer 7. The first computer 7 also
accesses the contracted web page provided by the first picture archiving
and communication system 5 through Internet 4. Thus, the first personal
computer 7 also serves as a browser of the image data provided by the
first picture archiving and communication system 5. In other words, full
size image data itself is not retrieved by the first personal computer 7
for keeping it on the first personal computer 7 side, but the image data
in the reduced size suitable for display on the first monitor 8 is
temporarily downloaded every time when a playback operation is done by
the first personal computer 7 to access the first picture archiving and
communication system 5. However, the reduced size of image data suitable
for display on the first monitor 8 once downloaded can be kept in the
first computer 7 if an operation is done to do so

[0064] Upon the playback of the image, the first personal computer 7 can
also access integrated image administration server 6 to search among a
great number of thumbnails for identifying the desired image, and then
jump to the corresponding image kept by the first picture archiving and
communication system 5 in place of directly accessing to the first
picture archiving and communication system 5.

[0065] It is possible to send image data taken by the first digital camera
1 by way of the first personal computer 7 to the first picture archiving
and communication system 5 thorough Internet 4, in place of sending the
image data to the first picture archiving and communication system 5
directly form the first digital camera 1. This is possible, for example,
by removing a memory card, which keeps the taken image data, from the
first digital camera 1 to insert it into the first personal computer 7.

[0066] The first personal computer 7, which is a conventional personal
computer, can be replaced by a larger size computer such as a home server
or a home central controller. The first monitor 8, which is a
conventional monitor for a personal computer, can be replaced by a
monitor of a high definition television set. Further, the first personal
computer 7 and the first monitor 8 can be combined with a television set
as an integrated television set with the personal computer function.

[0067] As has been mentioned above, the image data retrieved for display
is not kept within the first personal computer 7, but is downloaded every
time when a playback operation is done by the first personal computer 7.
The personal computer 7, on the other hands, in combination with the
first home backup storage 9 downloads the full size image data from the
first picture archiving and communication system 5 to keep it within the
first home backup server 9.

[0068] In other words, the first personal computer 7 automatically
downloads the full size image data from the first picture archiving and
communication system 5 through Internet 4 when it receives to keep full
size image data from the first digital camera 1. The downloaded image
data is automatically stored in the first home backup storage 9 under the
control of the first personal computer 7. And, every time when first
digital camera 1 or the first personal computer 7 communicates with the
first picture archiving and communication system 5 afterward on the image
data bucked up in the backup storage 9, the history of the communication
is automatically downloaded from the first picture archiving and
communication system 5 to store it within the first home backup storage 9
in relation with the backed up image data. The typical communication of
first digital camera 1 or the first personal computer 7 with the first
picture archiving and communication system 5 is the playback of the image
on the first digital camera 1 or the first monitor 8.

[0069] Further, every time when first digital camera 1 or the first
personal computer 7 communicates with integrated image administration
server 6, the history of the communication is automatically downloaded
from integrated image administration server 6 to store it within the
first home backup storage 9 in relation with the backed up image data.
The typical communication of first digital camera 1 or the first personal
computer 7 with integrated image administration server 6 is the search
for a desired image among thumbnails.

[0070] The first home backup storage 9 is, however, one-way storage for
storing data from the first personal computer 7 that downloads the image
data or communication history data. In other words, the first personal
computer 7 retrieves the image data or the communication history not from
the first home backup storage 9, but from the first picture archiving and
communication system 5 or integrated image administration server 6.

[0071] For the purpose of avoiding confusion, the reduced size of image
data suitable for display on the first monitor 8 and kept within the
first personal computer 7 is not bucked up by the first home backup
storage 9 even if it is downloaded by the first personal computer 7.

[0072] The reason why the first home backup storage 9 is prepared in the
home is a self-defend in case dada or service itself disappears due to
some accident at the first picture archiving and communication system 5
or integrated image administration server 6. Thus, unless such accident
occurs, the first digital camera 1 or the first personal computer 7
carries out the playback of the image as a browser functioning on the
software in the first picture archiving and communication system 5, which
is improved day by day.

[0073] Similarly, the first digital camera 1 or the first personal
computer 7 carries out the administration or search of image data on the
software in integrated image administration server 6, which is also
improved day by day. However, the improved software itself of the first
picture archiving and communication system 5 or integrated image
administration server 6, such as new version of image processing, image
keeping, image administration, and image searching, is not downloaded
into the first personal computer 7 unless it directly relates to the
digital camera 1 or the personal computer 7, such as new display layout
on the monitor thereof.

[0074] The data stored in the first home backup storage 9 in relation to
the image data, such as administration data, log and search history for
image, is not an original as it is, but is modified with restoration of
such data taken into consideration in case the first picture archiving
and communication system 5 or integrated image administration server 6 is
destroyed in contingency. For example, if the downloaded image data or
the relating data is handled under a file format, or data structure, or
directory structure specific to the first picture archiving and
communication system 5 or integrated image administration server 6, such
data is not stored in the first home backup storage 9 as it is, but is
stored with such modification made that each image data can be separately
handled in a manner free from the peculiar file format, or data
structure, or directory the first picture archiving and communication
system 5 structure. Further, administration data or the like associated
with the image data is so modified that the associated data is separately
attached to each image data with its data format converted into a
simplified one such as a text file. Thus, image data can be easily
located upon restoration by means of full-text search of the text file
data attached to each image data.

[0075] The first home backup storage 9 is a product specialized for
automatic backup function including a large-capacity storage. The first
home backup storage 9 can be a multipurpose storage for backuping only
the data created by an outside server such as the first picture archiving
and communication system 5 or integrated image administration server 6,
but also various data created by the first personal computer 7 in case of
a hard disk crash or the like in the first personal computer 7.

[0076] As described above, the first digital camera 1 or the first
personal computer 7 entrusts the functions of image processing, image
keeping, image administration, and image searching to an outside server
such as the first picture archiving and communication system 5 or
integrated image administration server 6 according to this invention. In
other words, the first digital camera 1 or the first personal computer 7
itself serves as a means for merely capturing and/or browsing images.

[0077] According to the above division of roles, the first digital camera
1 is developed with the cost focused on improvement of capturing function
by optical system, sensor, and lighting system or the like, the cost for
developing other functions being saved. On the other hand, the first
picture archiving and communication system 5 is developed with the cost
focused on improvement in image processing, image keeping, image
administration, and image searching functions, the developing cost of
which is not directly passed on to the price of the first digital camera
1. However, since the image capturing function is deeply relates to the
image processing, image keeping, image administration and image searching
functions, the first digital camera 1 and the first picture archiving and
communication system 5 are efficiently developed in collaboration with
each other.

[0078] The division of roles between the first picture archiving and
communication system 5 and integrated image administration server 6 is
also reasonable since the data administration or data searching function
relates not only to the image data but also to general data which covers
huge market based on computer technology, which should be assigned to
integrated image administration server 6. On the other hand, the image
processing or image keeping function should be assigned to the first
picture archiving and communication system 5, which is specialized to
handle the image data.

[0079] In FIG. 1, the second digital camera 2 and the relating system
components including the second picture archiving and communication
system 10, the second personal computer 11, the second monitor 12 and the
second home backup storage 13 are similar to those for the first digital
camera 1. So, the explanation for those components is omitted for
avoiding duplication.

[0080] FIG. 1 shows that the first digital camera 1 and the second digital
camera both access to wireless access point 3 in common. This is on the
assumption that the owner of the first digital camera 1 (hereinafter
referred to as "the first user") and the owner of the second digital
camera 2 (hereinafter referred to as "the second user") travel with each
other, which makes it possible for the first user and the second user to
share the same access point. The following explanation will be made on
this assumption. However, if the first user and the second user locate
apart from each other, they of course connect Internet 4 through
different access points.

[0081] FIG. 1 shows that the second user sends or retrieves image to or
from the second from the second picture archiving and communication
system 10. This is on the assumption that the first user makes a contract
with the first picture archiving and communication system 5 while the
second user with the second picture archiving and communication system
10. The following explanation will be made on this assumption. However,
there is no problem if the first user and the second user make contract
with the same picture archiving and communication system.

[0082] FIG. 1 shows only one integrated image administration server 6.
This is on the assumption that the first picture archiving and
communication system 5 and the second picture archiving and communication
system 10 share the same integrated image administration server in the
most simplified case of collaboration. The following explanation will be
made on this assumption. However, this invention is not limited to a
system which includes only one integrated image administration server,
but is also applicable to a system including a plurality of integrated
image administration servers in collaboration with number of picture
archiving and communication systems.

[0083] The following explanation relates to the printing of the image
data. The first picture archiving and communication system 5 and the
second picture archiving and communication system 10 are connected to the
first print service 14 and the second print service 15 through dedicated
line connections, respectively. Thus, the first picture archiving and
communication system 5 can accept an order of print from the first
digital camera 1 or the first personal computer 7. Similarly, or the
second picture archiving and communication system 10 can accept an order
of print from the second digital camera 2 or the second personal computer
11. The connection to the first print service 14 or the second print
service 15 may be by way of Internet in place of the dedicated line
connections.

[0084] The first picture archiving and communication system 5 or the
second picture archiving and communication system 10 has the first print
service 14 or the second print service 15 make print in response to the
accepted order. The print made by the first print service 14 or the
second print service 15 is brought to the orderer by means of a delivery
service.

[0085] According to the first embodiment in FIG. 1, a print can be made by
the first home printer 16 or the second home printer 17 connected to the
first personal computer 7 and the second personal computer 11,
respectively. If the print is desired to be made in home, the first
personal computer 7 of the second personal computer 11 downloads the
image data of a desired print size to have the first home printer 16 or
the second home printer 17 make the print.

[0086]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a digital camera system according to
the second embodiment of this invention. Since the second embodiment in
FIG. 2 is almost similar to the first embodiment in FIG. 1. So the same
numeral is used for identifying the same system component throughout FIG.
1 and FIG. 2, duplicate explanation being omitted in FIG. 2.

[0087] The difference between the first and second embodiments is the
components for backuping data. In other words, the first personal
computer 7 and the second personal computer 11 of the second embodiment
in FIG. 2 rely on external backup service 21 through Internet 4 in place
of the first home backup storage 9 and the second home backup storage 13
in FIG. 1.

[0088] The function of external backup service 21 is basically similar to
that of the first home backup storage 9 or the second home backup storage
13. So, the explanation is focused on the difference therebetween.

[0089] First, external backup service 21 is specialized for keeping home
data with high privacy protection required outside the home. Therefore,
external backup service is characterized by a high capacity of storage
for a great number of homes, a high reliability against data
disappearance and a high security against privacy violation.

[0090] For example, external backup service 21 adopts a cryptosystem of a
friendly usability and a high reliability, which encourages the first
personal computer 7 or the second personal computer 11 to send the
private data to external backup service 21 through Internet 4.

[0091] Second, external backup service 21 is adopts an administration
function for treating data from great number of personal computers, such
as the first personal computer 7 or the second personal computer 11
without confusion.

[0092] Further, external backup service 21 can backup data sent through
Internet 4 not only from the first personal computer 7 or the second
personal computer 11, but also from the first picture archiving and
communication system 5, or from the second picture archiving and
communication system 10, or from integrated image administration server
6. In more detail, external backup service 21 can backup the image data
kept by the first picture archiving and communication system 5, or by the
second picture archiving and communication system 10, or by integrated
image administration server 6 under the contract with and in response to
the actual access by the first personal computer 7 or the second personal
computer 11. Further the history of communication between the first
personal computer 7 and the first picture archiving and communication
system 5 or the like is directly sent from the first picture archiving
and communication system 5 to the external backup service 21 for backup.
The history of communication received by t external backup service 21 is
stored therein in relation to the image data on which the communication
has been made.

[0093] For the purpose of further strengthening the reliability against
data disappearance, external backup service 21 is connected with private
lines of high security to the first sub-backup 22 and the second
sub-backup 23 or the like to each further automatically copy and keep the
backup data, respectively. The first sub-backup 22 and the second
sub-backup 23 or the like are located globally apart from each other so
that some one will survive even if the others will be destroyed by a
giant earthquake or the like.

[0094] As has been apparent, the second embodiment in FIG. 2 includes the
first picture archiving and communication system 5, the second picture
archiving and communication system 10, integrated image administration
server 6 and external backup service 21, which each take its share of
handling image data originated and utilized by the first digital camera 1
or the second digital camera 2. Thus, the digital image handling service
to the owners of the digital cameras is improved in combination by the
variety of features of system components.

[0095] Now, the function of integrated image administration server 6 is to
be explained along with its cooperation with the first picture archiving
and communication system 5 and the second picture archiving and
communication system 10. The function to be explained includes not only
the service for the first digital camera 1 or the second digital camera 2
alone, but also a service relating to a combination between the first
digital camera 1 and the second digital camera 2 as well as a service for
sharing image among a plurality of users. Since these functions are
common to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the following
explanation will be made in accordance with the first embodiment in FIG.
1.

[0096] As has been mentioned, the image data taken by the first digital
camera 1 is kept by the first picture archiving and communication system
5, which provides the image administration system to be utilized as an
online album for the first user. The image administration system provided
by the first picture archiving and communication system 5 includes
function for automatically affixing to each kept image data a criterion
for search, such as user ID, user nickname, trademark of camera, photo
taking date and time, photo taking place including point and direction,
information of the object, and image sending date and time etc. The
system further makes it possible for user to manually add a criterion for
search, such as title of the image or search tag to each image data to be
kept. The automatically given criteria such as photo taking place or
information of the object may be treated as the form of search tag or
search key.

[0097] By means of such image administration system operable through the
first camera 1 or the first personal computer 7, the first user can
search into the kept images to hit an image or images to be played pack.
The user can freely add, or delete, or change criteria for search an
image on the occasion of playing back the image by operating the first
digital camera 1 or the first personal computer 7 in accordance with the
administration system provided by the first picture archiving and
communication system 5.

[0098] The first picture archiving and communication system 5 can allow
anyone to access the kept images under some condition or without any
condition in accordance with the direction from the first digital camera
1 or the first personal computer 7. Further, some criteria for search
relating to the image are laid open along with the image as long as the
criteria meet the privacy condition allowed by the creator of the image.

[0099] Thus, the second user can also search for and access to the image
of the first user kept in the first picture archiving and communication
system 5 by operating the second digital camera 2 or the second personal
computer 11. If the image is laid open without any condition, the second
user even unacquainted with the first user can access to the image of the
first user. If the image is laid open with some condition, on the other
hand, the second user can access only to the images which are allowed by
the first user under such condition.

[0100] The above is vice versa. Namely, the first user can search for and
access to the image of the second user kept in the second picture
archiving and communication system 10 by operating the first digital
camera 1 or the first personal computer 7 as long as the first user meets
the condition set by the second user. More detailed explanation will not
be repeated for avoiding duplication.

[0101] The above is true for the images of the first user kept not only in
the first picture archiving and communication system 5, but also in the
second picture archiving and communication system 10. Similarly, the
above is true for the images of the second user kept not only in the
second picture archiving and communication system 10, but also in the
first picture archiving and communication system 5. In summary, the first
user or the second user can search for and playback its own images in
private regardless of the picture archiving and communication system
actually keeping the images, and can also search for and playback images
of any other user as long as they are laid open.

[0102] As to integrated image administration server 6, it makes it
possible to search for all images regardless of the picture archiving and
communication systems. In other words, a borderless search for images is
possible once integrated image administration server 6 is accessed. This
will be explained in more detail in accordance with the most simplified
case including the first picture archiving and communication system 5 and
the second picture archiving and communication system 10.

[0103] Integrated image administration server 6 is a so-called search
engine capable of making search into the images kept by the first picture
archiving and communication system 5 and the second picture archiving and
communication system 10 with respect to the criteria set by the user. For
the efficiency of the search, integrated image administration server 6
functions based on criteria according to its own search system, such as
user ID, user nickname, trademark of camera, photo taking date and time,
photo taking place, information of the object, image sending date and
time, title of the image and search tag, the search being to be done with
respect to each criterion.

[0104] Since the search system with the criteria used therein is released
by integrated image administration server 6 to the public and free, the
first picture archiving and communication system 5 and the second picture
archiving and communication system 10 can easily incorporate the search
system. In other words, the first picture archiving and communication
system 5, the second picture archiving and communication system 10 and
integrated image administration server 6 share the same search system to
constitute a tightly united system, which is extremely convenient for the
first and second users. Further, the first picture archiving and
communication system 5 and the second picture archiving and communication
system 10 become free from cost for developing and establishing own
search system and to concentrate to the development and establishment of
the image keeping and processing system.

[0105] Integrated image administration server 6 searches into image data
treated by not only the own search system, but also another search system
provided by an independent picture archiving and communication system.
This is done by means of conducting a full-text search into the data
relating to image data treated by such an independent picture archiving
and communication system regardless of its unique data structure. And, if
the full-text search hits some data, integrated image administration
server 6 converts the hit data into a data structure according to the own
search system in indicating the result of search. Thus, the first picture
archiving and communication system 5 or the second picture archiving and
communication system 10 may not necessarily incorporate the search system
provided by integrated image administration server 6, but may insist on
its own search system if such a search system has already existed.
However, it is of course true that the incorporation of the search system
provided by integrated image administration server 6, which is a major
portal site, may increase the ability for the picture archiving and
communication system to pull in more customers due to the convenience,
increased search efficiency, and less erroneous or miss search.

[0106] Integrated image administration server 6 displays the thumbnails of
hit images in the same manner regardless of whether they are from the
first picture archiving and communication system 5 or the second picture
archiving and communication system 10. In other words, thumbnails of
images derived from a plurality of picture archiving and communication
systems are displayed under the control of integrated image
administration server 6 as if they are the result of search into a single
database system on integrated image administration server 6.

[0107] If a criterion for search set by the first user on integrated image
administration server 6 hits an image uploaded from the first digital
camera 1 and another image uploaded from the second digital camera 2,
integrated image administration server 6 has the first digital camera 1
or the first personal computer 7 display thumbnails of the hit images in
the same manner regardless of whether they are derived from the first
digital camera 1 or the second digital camera 2. In other words,
thumbnails of the owe image data and other's image data are displayed on
the own digital camera as if they are all taken by the own digital
camera.

[0108] If the user selects one of the hit thumbnails displayed on the
first digital camera 1 or the first monitor 8 under the control of
integrated image administration server 6, URL of the corresponding image
data for display size is designated to jump to one of the first picture
archiving and communication system 5 and the second picture archiving and
communication system 10 that actually keeps the image data. Thus, the
first digital camera 1 or the first personal computer 7 automatically
accesses to the image data of the size suitable for display on the first
digital camera 1 or the first monitor 8.

[0109]FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a digital camera 1 of the first
embodiment in FIG. 1. The structure in FIG. 3 is the same as that in the
second digital camera 2 in the first embodiment, the first digital camera
1 and the second digital camera 2 in the second embodiment.

[0110] The first digital camera 1 controlled by camera controller 31 takes
a photograph in response to an operation of a release button included in
camera operating portion 32 in such a manner that an image captured by
image taking portion 33 is processed by image processor 34 to be stored
in image storage portion 35. The processed image data to be stored in
image storage portion 35 includes main image data of full-size, a display
image data in a size suitable for displaying on display 40, and thumbnail
data. Thumbnail data generally stored as a part of the main image data
can also be copied as a data to be separately treated in relationship to
the main image.

[0111] The image data sorted in image storage portion 35 is normally kept
at internal storage 36. Image storage portion 35 further includes storage
media drive 37 for receiving removable storage media 38 such as memory
disk or memory card, in which the image data is stored if internal
storage 36 is full. The image data stored in removable media 38, however,
will be transferred to internal storage 36 if a room for overwriting will
be secured therein due to a sending of image data to the first picture
archiving and communication system 5. The removable storage media 38 is
also used in manually taking out image data outside the first digital
camera 1. In other words, image data is coped from internal storage 36
into removable storage media 38, which is then taken out from storage
media drive 37 for the purpose of insertion into a storage media slot of
another device such as the first personal computer 7.

[0112] As has been explained, the image data which has been taken by first
digital camera 1 is automatically sent to the first picture archiving and
communication system 5 from local wireless communicator 39 through
Internet 4 when the digital camera 1 comes into the communication range
of access point 3. On the other hand, the image data to be taken by first
digital camera 1 will be instantly sent to the first picture archiving
and communication system 5 from local wireless communicator 39 through
Internet 4 if the digital camera 1 has been already within the
communication range of access point 3.

[0113] If the first digital camera 1 cannot come into the communication
range of access point 3 in spite of little room left in image storage
portion 35 for overwriting new image data, such a caution is made that
the first user is recommended to manually connect the digital camera 1 to
his or her mobile phone with local wireless communicator 39 to send the
image in image storage portion 35 to the first picture archiving and
communication system 5 through Internet 4 by way of the mobile phone.
Alternatively, the first digital camera 1 is designed in response to such
a case to automatically connect to and control the mobile phone to send
the image in image storage portion 35 to the first picture archiving and
communication system 5 through Internet 4 by way of the mobile phone.

[0114] In a case that the first user is visiting a notable site, wireless
communicator 39 automatically receives information about the object to be
photographed from automatic information communicator located at the
object. The received information is automatically added to the image data
as criterion for search when the image data is sent to the first picture
archiving and communication system 5 from the first digital camera 1.
Since the information is used as a tag in the search system, it is
automatically affixed to the image data as a form of the tag.

[0115] The information about the object in the notable site can be a form
of a barcode printed on the guide sign of the object. And, the barcode is
automatically read by the first digital camera 1 if it is so directed
that the guide sign is in the angle of the camera lens which focuses the
image of the barcode on the image sensor in image taking portion 33,
which can decode the barcode. Thus, the information to be added to the
image as the tag for searching the image can be optically gotten by the
camera image sensor in place of the wireless communicator 39.

[0116] Among image data, the main image data of full-size is automatically
made deletable from image storage portion 35 to secure a room for
internal storage 36 to accept new image data if the main image data has
been sent to the first picture archiving and communication system 5. The
main image data made thus deletable is not instantly deleted, but will be
overwritten by a new image data. If desired, however, a manual setting is
possible to set the main image data not to be automatically made
deletable but is protected within image storage portion 35 even if the
main image data has been sent to the first picture archiving and
communication system 5. In this case, the main image data is kept with a
mark indicating that it has been sent to the first picture archiving and
communication system 5. The main image data with such a mark is prevented
from being sent again in the first digital camera 1, or is rejected by
the first picture archiving and communication system 5 even if
erroneously sent. Further, in case that the main image data is
erroneously accepted in duplicate, it will be afterward detected through
the duplication check to neglect the redundant one form the result of
search.

[0117] The display image data in a size suitable for displaying on display
40 for the taken photography, on the contrary, is automatically protected
within image storage portion 35 under some reasonable condition and time
limit even if the main image data has been sent to the first picture
archiving and communication system 5. This makes it possible for the
first user to play back the image again on the first digital camera 1
without accessing the first picture archiving and communication system 5.
For example, the display image data for the photographs taken on the day
are protected within image storage portion 35 unless the first digital
camera 1 is not in use over a prescribed period of time, e.g. more than
three hours, after the date changes, the display image data being made
deletable from image storage portion 35 in automatic response to the
lapse of the period to secure a room for internal storage 36 to accept
new image data. If the first user wants to playback the display image
data on the display 40 and the image data has been overwritten in image
storage portion 35, he or she is to access to the first picture archiving
and communication system 5 to retrieve the image data.

[0118] The display image data in a size suitable for displaying on display
40 is regularly prepared on the side of the first picture archiving and
communication system 5 on the basis of the received main image data of
full-size. So, the display image data is basically downloaded by the
first digital camera 1 upon playback, though the display image data is
once made by the first digital camera 1 when the photograph is taken.

[0119] Memory 41 stores the basic software for operation the first digital
camera 1 as well as various data necessary in the camera operation.
Memory 41 also stores data necessary for the first digital camera 1 to
collaborate with the first picture archiving and communication system 5
and integrated image administration server 6

[0120] Power source 42 for powering the entire elements in the first
digital camera 1 is of an ordinary type including a structure for
receiving a rechargeable battery. Power source 42 is connected to
noncontact power receiver 43, which receives power from noncontact power
transmitter located at wireless access point 3 to charge the rechargeable
battery in power source 42.

[0121] GPS and direction sensor 44 detects the location of the first
digital camera 1 and the direction to which the lens of the first digital
camera 1 is facing. The information detected by GPS and direction sensor
44 is automatically added to the image data as criterion for search when
the image data is sent to the first picture archiving and communication
system 5 from the first digital camera 1. Since the information is used
as a tag in the search system, it is automatically affixed to the image
data as a form of the tag.

[0122] GPS and direction sensor 44 is also capable of displaying on
display 40 how to get to the nearest access point if the first digital
camera 1 is outside the communication range of any access point.

[0123] It is possible for the first user to display on display 40 relevant
photographs taken by others if such photographs are searched on criteria
relating to the current location of the first digital camera 1 such as
information gotten by one or combination of GPS and direction sensor 44,
local wireless communicator 39 and image taking portion 33 reading the
barcode. Further, not only the photographs but also Weblog created in
relation to the photographs can be searched to be displayed on display
40. Thus, the user of the first digital camera 1 can get the latest
travel information in the form of photograph and Weblog about the place
where he or she now is. Further, is can be expected that someone uploads
photographs and Weblog on neighborhood shops or cafes, the system
according to this invention serves as an effective local advertising
media for such shops and cafes.

[0124]FIG. 4 is a schematic external view of a principal part of the
digital camera 1 in FIG. 3 to show camera operating portion 32 and
display 40 in which thumbnails are shown for playback of the image. The
following explanation will be made on the assumption that the first
digital camera is set to automatically access to integrated image
administration server 6 if the playback mode is selected in the first
digital camera 1.

[0125] The first digital camera 1 is turned ON in the playback mode if
power button 51 is operated. In other words, if power button 51 is
operated, the first digital camera 1 is checked whether or not it is
within the communication range of access point 3. If it is determined
that the first digital camera 1 is in the communication range, the first
digital camera 1 automatically accesses to integrated image
administration server 6 through Internet 4, the first digital camera 1
afterward being kept in connection with integrated image administration
server 6 until the first digital camera 1 goes out of the communication
range of access point 3 or the first digital camera 1 is turned OFF by
power button 51. Connection status is displayed by online/off-line
indicator 52 in display 40. FIG. 4 shows that the first digital camera 1
is connected with integrated image administration server 6, which is
indicated with online box automatically ticked at online/off-line
indicator 52. The change in ticking between online box and off-line box
at online/off-line indicator 52 can be made afterward by manually
operating arrow key 54 or numeric keypad 55.

[0126] Scope section 53 is to show the scope of search conducted by
integrated image administration server 6 to hit images to be played back.
In other words, scope section 53 includes a private box for searching own
images of the first user only, a favorite box for searching images taken
by others and once selected by the first user, a member box for searching
images of a closed member including the first user, and a pubic box for
searching all published images without limitation, one of the boxes being
for selection. The first digital camera 1 is turned ON in the playback
mode with the private box automatically ticked as shown in FIG. 4 so as
to limit the playback function to own images of the first user as in the
case of ordinary digital cameras in the playback mode. The change in
ticking among the four boxes at scope section 53 can be made afterward by
manually operating arrow key 54 or numeric keypad 55.

[0127] Search condition box 56 is for inputting free criteria such as
photo taking date and time, photo taking place, information of the
object, image sending date and time, title of the image and search tag as
well as the name of members in scope section 53 by means of manually
operating arrow key 54 or numeric keypad 55. Criteria in combination
should be separated with a space when input in search condition box 56.
The combination of criteria may be possibly between different types such
as "photo taking date and time" and "title of the image", or between the
same type such as a plurality of tags. The manner of combination of
criteria is set by ticking one of AND box or OR box at combination
designator 57.

[0128] The first digital camera 1 is turned ON in the playback mode with
"None" automatically input in condition box 56 and with no tick in any of
the boxes at combination designator 57 as shown in FIG. 4. Thus,
integrated image administration server 6 searches into all images with
user ID of the first user to indicate thumbnails 58 on display 40 in the
order of the date and time from the latest. Thumbnails which cannot be
displayed on display 40 can be viewed by scrolling the display by arrow
key 54.

[0129] If one of thumbnails 58 on display 40 is selected by arrow key 54
or numeric keypad 55, the connection jumps to the picture archiving and
communication system which keeps image data corresponding to the selected
thumbnail to display the image downloaded from the system with possible
area of display 40 used.

[0130] If the first user wants under some condition to search into own
image data which have been uploaded to the first picture archiving and
communication system 5, arrow key 54 or numeric keypad 55 are to be
manually operated to input desired criteria at search condition box 56
with one of AND box or OR box at combination designator 57 ticked. Arrow
key 54 can be tilted to the left, right, top and bottom for selection of
the indication elements on display 40 as well as pushed down for entering
a command for some function. Thus, the pushing down of arrow key 54 with
the input or selection of criteria for search completed causes the
searching operation by integrated image administration server 6 to
display thumbnails 58 on display 40 as the result of the search.

[0131] If the first user wants to search into image data of a group of
closed members, arrow key 54 or numeric keypad 55 are to be manually
operated to tick the member box at scope section 53, which causes
condition box 56 to prepare a pull-down menu of options for group
selection, the user being capable of selecting one in the menu by arrow
key 54 or numeric keypad 55. The options in the pull-down menu are shown
as a list of group names each consisting of closed members. Even if an
operation to start the search is made with no group selected in error,
integrated image administration server 6 would not respond, but displays
an error message informing of incapability of search due to no group
identification.

[0132] If the first user wants to limit search into the selected group of
closed members, arrow key 54 or numeric keypad 55 are to be manually
operated to input desired criteria at search condition box 56 with one of
AND box or OR box at combination designator 57 ticked.

[0133] If arrow key 54 is pushed down with the input or selection of
criteria for search completed, integrated image administration server 6
starts to search into the image data of the selected group, thumbnails 58
as the result of the search being displayed on display 40. In this case,
integrated image administration server 6 searches into image data kept by
the first picture archiving and communication system 5, the second
picture archiving and communication system 10 and any other picture
archiving and communication systems, the hit thumbnails being displayed
in a uniform format and in a predetermined order such as date regardless
of the picture archiving and communication systems which keep image data.
Further, as long as the image data hit by the same criteria, the
resultant thumbnails are displayed in a uniform layout and in a
predetermined order regardless of whether they are taken by the first
user or another in the selected group.

[0134] If the first user wants to search under some condition into image
data published without limitation, arrow key 54 or numeric keypad 55 are
to be manually operated to tick the public box at scope section 53.
Further, arrow key 54 or numeric keypad 55 are to be manually operated to
input desired criteria at search condition box 56 with one of AND box or
OR box at combination designator 57 ticked.

[0135] If the first user wants to search under some condition into image
data taken by others and once selected by the first user, arrow key 54 or
numeric keypad 55 are to be manually operated to tick the favorite box at
scope section 53. If the first user wants to further limit search into
the favorite image data, arrow key 54 or numeric keypad 55 are to be
manually operated to input desired criteria at search condition box 56
with one of AND box or OR box at combination designator 57 ticked.

[0136] If arrow key 54 is pushed down with the input or selection of
criteria for search completed, integrated image administration server 6
starts to search into the favorite image data, thumbnails 58 as the
result of the search being displayed on display 40. Also in this case,
integrated image administration server 6 searches into image data kept by
the first picture archiving and communication system 5, the second
picture archiving and communication system 10 and any other picture
archiving and communication systems, the hit thumbnails being displayed
in a uniform format and in a predetermined order such as date regardless
of the picture archiving and communication systems which keep image data.

[0137] In searching into image data published without limitation, such an
automatic criteria input mode is possible that information of the object
automatically gotten by GPS and direction sensor 44, or local wireless
communicator 39 receiving in a notable site, or image taking portion 33
reading barcode as well as date and time information are automatically
input at search condition box 56. According to such automatic input of
criteria, integrated image administration server 6 can automatically hit
images of the same object taken by others in the same season as the
object which the first user is going to take. Such result of the
automatic search may be some help of the first user in determining angle
or composition of his or her own photograph to take.

[0138] In any case of searching into the image data of a closed member and
the image data published without limitation, if one of thumbnails 58 on
display 40 is selected by arrow key 54 or numeric keypad 55, the
connection jumps to the picture archiving and communication system which
keeps image data corresponding to the selected thumbnail to display the
image downloaded from the system with possible area of display 40 used.

[0139] If photo button 59 is pushed in half, the first digital camera 1 is
switched from the playback mode to the photo taking mode. If photo button
59 is pushed in full, on the other hand, photo taking is done in the
photo taking mode. Send button 60 is to be pushed for manually sending
the image data by way of the mobile phone when the first digital camera 1
is outside the communication range of any of wireless access points. View
button 61 is for switching the first digital camera from the photo taking
mode to the playback mode. Attribute edit button 62 is used upon editing
the attribute such relating to the image kept by the first picture
archiving and communication system 5. In other words, the attribute such
as the title or tags of the image are made changeable if attribute edit
button 62 is pushed. Attribute edit button 62 is also used upon editing
images for making an electric album. If attribute edit button 62 is
pushed in the condition of FIG. 4 in which "None" is in condition box 56
and private box is ticked at scope section 53, thumbnails of images to
which attribute is provisionally affixed are searched and displayed. More
detailed explanation as to the functions of the above buttons will be
given later.

[0140] FIG. 5 is a schematic external view of a principal part of the
digital camera 1 in the playback mode, which is similar to FIG. 4 except
for what is displayed on display 40. In other words, FIG. 5 shows a
condition of display 40 when one of the hit thumbnails in FIG. 4 is
selected by operating arrow key 54 or numeric keypad 55. So the same
numeral is used for identifying the same element throughout FIG. 4 and
FIG. 5, duplicate explanation being omitted in FIG. 5.

[0141] If one of thumbnails 58 on display 40 is selected in FIG. 4, the
connection jumps to the picture archiving and communication system which
keeps image data corresponding to the selected thumbnail to display image
71 downloaded from the system with possible area of display 40 used.
Further, title box 72, photo taking date and time box 73 and tag box 74
shows their contents, respectively. If the area of box is insufficient to
show the entire contents, an enlarged box opens in response to a manual
operation of arrow key 54 or numeric keypad 55. Tag box 74 shows a
apace-divided plurality of tags, some of the those tags such as "fencing"
being manually affixed while other of tags such as "arena" being
automatically afficed by receiving information at local wireless
communicator 39 or GPS and direction sensor 44.

[0142] In the display above, the selected image is displayed in a uniform
layout in FIG. 5 regardless of whether they are taken by the first user
or another in the selected group.

[0143] In FIG. 5, scope section 53 of similar layout to that in FIG. 4 is
displayed. However, the meaning of scope section 63 somewhat differs
between FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. In other words, scope section 53 in FIG. 4
means the scope of search to hit a plurality of image data while section
53 in FIG. 5 means origin of the selected one image data.

[0144] Thumbnail button 75 is to be operated by arrow key 54 or numeric
keypad 55 if the first use desires to return to the display in FIG. 4.
One of a pair of image feed buttons 76 is operated by arrow key 54 or
numeric keypad 55 in FIG. 5 to replace display image 71 by another image
corresponding to the last thumbnail or the next thumbnail in the order of
displayed in FIG. 4.

[0145] The above explanation has been made on a case the first digital
camera 1 is set to be turned ON in the playback mode to display
thumbnails 58 as in FIG. 4 if power button 51 is operated. According to
the explanation, the display of image 71 in FIG. 5 is to be caused by a
manual selection of one of the thumbnails in FIG. 4 through operation of
arrow key 54 or numeric keypad 55.

[0146] The first digital camera 1, however, can be set to be turned ON in
the playback mode to directly display image 71 as in FIG. 5 if power
button 51 is operated. Also in such a setting, the first digital camera 1
automatically accesses to integrated image administration server 6
through Internet 4 to automatically tick online box at online/off-line
indicator 52 if it is determined that the first digital camera 1 is in
the communication range. Further, the first digital camera 1 is turned ON
also in this setting with "None" automatically input in condition box 56
and with no tick in any of the boxes at combination designator 57 though
condition box 56 and combination designator 57 in not overtly displayed
in FIG. 5. In this setting, the latest of the own images hit by
integrated image administration server 6 is automatically selected as
display image 71 in FIG. 5.

[0147] If another image is desired to be displayed, image feed buttons 76
is operated to replace display image 71 in FIG. 5 or thumbnail button 75
is operated to change into the display in FIG. 4 in which reselection of
thumbnail is possible.

[0148] If an image taken by another person is displayed on display 40 as
display image 71, public box or member box is ticked at scope section 53.
Favorite button 77 is to be operated if the first user wants to designate
display image 71 as favorite. And display image 71 is easily registered
as favorite image, favorite box at scope section 53 being automatically
ticked in response to the operation of favorite button 77. Thus, display
image 71 thus designated and registered will be hit if a search will be
made with favorite box ticked as the searching condition.

[0149]FIG. 6 is a schematic external view of a principal part of the
digital camera 1 in the playback mode, which is similar to FIGS. 4 and 5
except for what is displayed on display 40. In other words, FIG. 6 shows
display 40 in attribute edit mode caused by operation of attribute edit
button 62 in FIG. 5 with display image 71 displayed. Favorite button 77
is not displayed in FIG. 6 for avoiding confusion. The same numeral is
used for identifying the same element throughout FIG. 4 to FIG. 6,
duplicate explanation being omitted in FIG. 6.

[0150] Display image 71 in FIG. 5 is displayed in FIG. 6 as reduced size
image 81 with its attribute such as title, tags and scope section
selection being made editable. In contrast, title, tags and scope section
selection cannot be edited in FIG. 5 though favorite designation can be
made.

[0151] In editing title of image 81 in FIG. 6, arrow key 54 or numeric
keypad 55 is operated to rewrite title box 72.

[0152] Also in editing tags affixed to image 81 in FIG. 6, arrow key 54 or
numeric keypad 55 is operated to rewrite tag box 74. Further, affixed tag
window 82 and existing tag window 83 are prepared in display 40 for
assisting the first user in editing tags for the purpose of boosting the
chance for the own image laid open to the public to become popular. In
this view point, public box is ticked at scope section 53. Though the
advantage is less, however, affixed tag window 82 and existing tag window
83 can also be operable with member box or private box ticked at scope
section 53.

[0153] All tags affixed to displayed image 81 are shown in affixed tag
window 82. On the other hand, tags identical with or resembling or
relating to any of tags in affixed tag window 82 are automatically
searched and shown in existing tag window 83. Most of such tags in
existing tag window 83 are not originated by the first user, but by
others. Identical tags between affixed tag window 82 and existing tag
window 83 are distinguished form other tags with underline or different
color. For example, "fencing" and "sports" are underlined in both affixed
tag window 82 and existing tag window 83 since they are identical with
each other. Tags in existing tag window 83 are of different font size
depending on their popularities which are determined by integrated image
administration server 6 counting the frequency of affixing of each tag,
respectively. For example, "sports" in the largest font size is the most
popular tag, and "Olympics" is the second in FIG. 6.

[0154] The first user, who wants own image to be viewed by others as many
as possible through integrated image administration server 6, can change
tags with the relation of affixed tag window 82 to existing tag window 83
taken into consideration. For example, the first user can know from
existing tag window 83 that there is no image uploaded by another with
the tag, "fight" affixed to reduced size image 81. And, if the first user
thinks that reduced size image 81 has less chance of being hit by others
with the tag, "fight", the first user may operate arrow key 54 or numeric
keypad 55 to delete or replace the tag, "fight". Alternatively, the first
user may leave the tag, "fight" undeleted since there is no limitation to
the number of tags for one image.

[0155] Further, the first user can know from existing tag window 83 that
other images uploaded with the tag, "sword" which relates to "fencing"
and that "spirit" or "tournament" which may have some relation to "fight"
have been affixed to some images of others. Thus, the first use can add
at least one of "sword", "spirit" and "tournament" to affixed tag window
82 if he or she thinks such addition may boost the chance for reduced
size image 81 of being hit by others. The addition of one of tags, e.g.,
"sword", in existing tag window 83 into affixed tag window 82 can be
easily done by operating copy button 84 with "sword" selected in existing
tag window 83 by arrow key 54 or numeric keypad 55.

[0156] On the other hand, the first user can know that many images are
uploaded by others with the tag, "sports" which is very popular in
existing tag window 83. Thus, if the first user thinks that reduced size
image 81 has less chance of being selected among a great number of images
which will be hit by others with the tag, "sports", the first user may
operate arrow key 54 or numeric keypad 55 to delete or replace the tag,
"sports". Since the popular tag has double meaning that great number of
images will be hit with the popular tag as well as that many persons will
conduct search with the popular tag. So, it is also reasonable not to
delete "sports", but rather to add a popular tag such as "Olympics" in
existing tag window 83 into affixed tag window 82 to increase the chance
for reduced size image 81 to be hit by others. Especially, the popular
tags are useful in combination with other specific tag.

[0157] As has been understood, the display of both existing tag window 83
and affixed tag window 82 in a comparable manner, the indication with
underline or different color of relationship between tags in existing tag
window 83 and affixed tag window 82, and the copy of tag form existing
tag window 83 to affixed tag window 82 are very useful assistance for tag
edition.

[0158] The functions of causing the display layout on display 40 in the
playback mode such as shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 can also be effective
even if the first digital camera 1 is not within the communication range
of any access point. In other words, the display layout in the playback
mode is controlled not only by integrated image administration server 6
online, but also by the display software downloaded form integrated image
administration server 6 and installed in memory 41 of the first digital
camera 1, which functions even if the first digital camera 1 is not
connected to integrated image administration server 6.

[0159] Accordingly, if the display layout controlled by integrated image
administration server 6 online is improved, the corresponding new display
software is automatically downloaded to update the memory 41, which makes
it possible for the first digital camera 1 to control the display in
accordance with the most recent layout even in off-line state. Thus, the
display layout in the playback mode of the first digital camera 1
continuously and automatically evolves after the first digital camera 1
is bought . . . .

[0160] The substantially same display layout in the playback mode
throughout the online state and the off-line state of the first digital
camera 1 makes it possible for the first user to operate the first
digital camera 1 in the same manner regardless of whither the first
digital camera 1 is in online state or in off-line state. The above
feature of this invention that operations in the online state are
substantially the same as those in the off-line state, which is familiar
in conventional digital cameras, is advantageous to remove the barrier
otherwise getting in the way of the ordinary user to enjoy the digital
camera within an online system.

[0161] As mentioned above, the basic display layout in the playback mode
does not change throughout the online state and the off-line state.
However, partial difference s are naturally caused or intentionally made
for avoiding confusion.

[0162] In FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 for example, the member box and the public box
at scope section 53 are made unseen or pale with off-line box ticked at
online/off-line indicator 52. Further, it is needless to say that the hit
thumbnails or images displayed on display 40 are the result of searching
into image data left in image storage portion 35 within the first digital
camera 1.

[0163] In FIG. 6, on the other hand, the member box and the public box at
scope section 53 are indicated in the normal manner for accepting edition
even if the off-line box ticked at online/off-line indicator 52. In other
words, the edition at scope section 53 as to the image 81 is possible
even in off-line state. Existing tag 83, however, is not displayed with
off-line box ticked at online/off-line indicator 52 since no information
of existing tags is obtainable in off-line state. Further, the underline
in affixed tag 82 for some tag, such as "fencing" is not indicated in
off-line state.

[0164] The result of edition made during off-line state will be
automatically transmitted to the first picture archiving and
communication system 5 when the first digital camera 1 will come into the
communication range of some access point. And, the searching result will
be automatically updated with the new edition incorporated.

[0165]FIG. 7 is a schematic external view of a principal part of the
digital camera 1 in the photo taking mode, which is similar to FIGS. 4
and 5 except for what is displayed on display 40. In other words, FIG. 7
shows display 40 in photo taking mode, which is caused by pushing photo
button 59 in half in one of the conditions of FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 to switch
the first digital camera 1 from the playback mode to the photo taking
mode. Display 40 in the photo taking mode of FIG. 7 displays video image
91 which is currently taken by image taking portion 33. The same numeral
is used for identifying the same element throughout FIG. 4 to FIG. 6,
duplicate explanation being omitted in FIG. 6.

[0166] The video image 91 on display 40 in the photo taking mode helps the
first user to decide the framing of the picture to be taken by the first
digital camera 1. If the first user pushed photo button 59 in full with
the framing satisfactory, the image data taken by image taking portion 33
corresponding to video image 91 is processed by image processor 34 to be
recorded in image storage portion 35.

[0167] The image data store in image storage portion 35 is to be
automatically transmitted form local wireless communicator 39 to the
first picture archiving and communication system 5 by way of wireless
access point 3.

[0168] If the first digital camera 1 cannot come into the communication
range of access point 3 in spite of little room left in image storage
portion 35 for overwriting new image data, caution 92 is overlapped on
video image 91 in display 40 for informing the first user of the full
capacity which needs a sending of the taken image data to secure room for
the new image data. If the first user at the appearance of the caution 92
pushes send button 60, the digital camera 1 is automatically connected to
his or her mobile phone with local wireless communicator 39 so that the
mobile phone automatically calls a predetermined server on Internet 4 to
send the image in image storage portion 35 to the first picture archiving
and communication system 5.

[0169] Alternatively, the first digital camera 1 is so prepared in
response to the case causing caution 92 to automatically connect to and
control the mobile phone to send the image in image storage portion 35 to
the first picture archiving and communication system 5 through Internet 4
by way of the mobile phone.

[0170] Caution 92 is made in two steps, the preliminary caution and
emergent caution. The following description is for explaining these two
steps of cautions.

[0171] A part of the capacity of image storage portion 35 is assigned to
the display image data in a size suitable for displaying on display 40.
An old display image data which can be overwritten will be replaced by a
new display image data if the assigned capacity of image storage portion
35 is full. Since the display image data has been kept by the first
picture archiving and communication system 5 for being downloaded upon
request, it is basically needless to keep the display image data in image
storage portion 35 in duplicate. However, above mentioned capacity is
secured for keeping the display image data of high possibility of being
viewed again in case the camera will go out of communication range of any
access point. On the other hand, majority part of the capacity of image
storage portion 35 is secured for recording main image data of full-size
to be newly taken.

[0172] On the assumption of capacity assignment above, if the capacity
secured for the main image data to be newly taken becomes full with no
opportunity available for sending the already taken main image data to
the first picture archiving and communication system 5, a preliminary
caution such as "Capacity full, but additional 5 shots possible if
replaceable display image data deleted" is given as caution 92. This
means that the photograph itself can be taken by cutting into the
capacity assigned to the display image data even though the already taken
main image data is not sent at once by means of mobile phone connection.
Thus, photo taking action can be continued with such a preliminary
caution being made if the shutter chance is preferred than securing
capacity assigned to the main image data.

[0173] On the other hand, if the capacity of image storage portion 35
becomes full with all available capacity assigned to the display image
data consumed, an emergent caution such as "Capacity absolutely full!" to
recommend the first user to send at once the already taken main image
data to the first picture archiving and communication system 5 by means
of mobile phone connection to secure capacity for new main image data to
be taken.

[0174] In place of making the above mentioned two steps of cautions, it is
possible to display two levels of indication of remaining capacity. In
other words, in the first level of indication, the remaining capacity of
image storage portion 35 assigned to the main image data is displayed.
And, when the capacity assigned to the main image data becomes full to
have to cut into the capacity assigned to the display image data, the
indication is automatically switched from the first level to the second
level to display the available capacity assigned to the display image
data. For distinguishing the second level of indication from the first
level, the color of indicating remaining capacity is changed.

[0175] In addition to the remaining capacity indication for image storage
portion 35 in the first digital camera 1, the remaining capacity in the
first picture archiving and communication system 5 secured for the first
user under the contract with the first picture archiving and
communication system 5 is to be indicated.

[0176] Above indication of the remaining capacity for image data and
necessary caution about the remaining capacity will be explained later in
more detail.

[0177] Display 40 in FIG. 7 further shows auxiliary window 93 for
displaying the last taken image. Therefore, the first user can decide the
new framing of the picture to be taken by means of comparing video image
91 with the latest taken image in auxiliary window 93.

[0178] If the setting of the first digital camera 1 is changed, it is
possible to display in auxiliary window 93 the last image data appearing
in the playback mode such as in FIG. 5 before switching to the photo
taking mode. According to such a setting, the first user can compare
video image 91 with the similar photograph of own or another searched in
the playback mode to decide the framing of the picture to be taken by the
first digital camera 1.

[0179]FIG. 8 is a flow chart of the basic function of camera controller
31 in the first digital camera 1 of the first embodiment in FIG. 3. The
flow chart shows various functions when the first digital camera is
turned ON.

[0180] The flow in FIG. 8 starts when power button 51 is operated to go to
step S1, in which the playback mode is automatically set. The flow then
goes to step S2, in which automatic online selection is set. The
automatic online selection means the function of automatically switching
between online/off-line settings, in which the online state is set in
automatic response to the detection that the first digital camera comes
into the communication range of a wireless access point, while the
off-line state is set in automatic response to the detection that the
first digital camera is not within the communication range of any
wireless access point.

[0181] In manual online selection setting, on the contrary, the first
digital camera 1 would not be switched to online state as long as the
off-line box is ticked at online/off-line indicator 52 even if the first
digital camera comes into the communication range of a wireless access
point. So, if the online state is desired, online box at online/off-line
indicator 52 is to be manually ticked with the first digital camera
within the communication range of a wireless access point. Even if online
box at online/off-line indicator 52 is manually ticked with the first
digital camera outside the communication range of any wireless access
point, the first digital camera would not respond to such manual
operation, but makes a caution of outside the communication range for the
first user to understand the reason why online/off-line indicator 52
cannot be changed.

[0182] If the first digital camera 1 is made online state through any
course of the automatic or manual online selections, the ID and password
is automatically sent from the first digital camera 1 to the first
picture archiving and communication system 5 and integrated image
administration server 6 to automatically make the first digital camera 1
into logon state with them.

[0183] After the automatic online selection setting in step S2, the flow
advances to step S3 to automatically tick the private box at scope
section 53. Further in step S4, the flow automatically sets the
unconditioned search, in which "None" is automatically input in condition
box 56 and with no tick in any of the boxes at combination designator 57.
Thus, integrated image administration server 6 can search into all images
with user ID of the first user

[0184] In step S5, it is checked whether or not the first digital camera
is within the communication range of any wireless access point. And, if
it is detected that the first digital camera is within the communication
range of some wireless access point, the flow advances to step S6 to set
the first digital camera into online state.

[0185] Next, in step S7 it is checked whether or not image storage portion
35 keeps image data which has not been sent to the first picture
archiving and communication system 5 yet. If there has been no chance for
the first digital camera 1 to become online state after the photograph
has been taken in off-line state, image storage portion 35 keeps such
image data. In this case, the flow advances to step S8 to carry out the
uploading process, in which the unsent image data is uploaded to the
first picture archiving and communication system 5 through Internet. The
flow then goes to step S9. On the other hand, if is not detected in step
S7 that image storage portion 35 keeps unsent image data, the flow
directly goes to step S9.

[0186] In step S9, the capacity indication process is carried out to
update the change in the remaining capacity caused by step S8 or laps of
predetermined time. The uploading process in step S8 and the capacity
indication process will be explained later in more detail.

[0187] Next in step S10, the search result updating process is carried out
to get the latest result of the search conducted by integrated image
administration server 6 through Internet 4. Then the flow advances to
step S11, in which the order of displaying the search result is set so
that the hit thumbnails are displayed in the order of the photo taking
date and time from the latest. The hit thumbnails include the image data
uploaded in step S8. The display order set in step S11 can be set
alternatively in the order of the photo taking date and time from the
oldest, or the alphabetical order of the title or tag for the image data.

[0188] On the other hand, if it is not detected in step S5 that the first
digital camera is within the communication range of some wireless access
point, the flow advances to step S12 to set the first digital camera into
off-line state. The flow then goes to step S13 to have camera controller
31 search into own image storage portion 35, the flow then going to step
S11 to set the order of displaying the search result so that the hit
thumbnails are displayed in the order of the photo taking date and time
from the latest.

[0189] Following to step S11, the flow advances to step S14 to enable
various interruptions. The enabled interruption includes a jump to the
display in FIG. 4 caused by the operation of thumbnail button 75 since
the function of flow in FIG. 8 is according to such a setting that the
first digital camera 1 is turned ON in the playback mode to directly
display image 71 as in FIG. 5 if power button 51 is operated.

[0190] For the reason above, the flow advances to step S15, in which one
image data with the latest photo taking date and time is automatically
selected among all of possibly a plurality of hit image data as the
result of the search. Next in step S16, image display process is carried
out to prepare display image 71 and display the same as in FIG. 5. The
image display process will be explained later in detail. The flow in FIG.
8 then terminates to make the first digital camera 1 into the standby
state.

[0191]FIG. 9 is a flow chart of the function of camera controller 31 when
thumbnail button 75 is pushed in the display condition in FIG. 5. If the
flow of FIG. 9 starts in response the push of thumbnail button 75,
thumbnails hit by the search are displayed in step S22 to result in the
display of FIG. 4. The display layout in FIG. 4 is the same regardless of
whether the search into the images has been done in accordance with
search result updating process in S10 or search into own memory in step
S13 of the flow in FIG. 8

[0192] Next in step S24, it is checked whether or not one of thumbnails 58
is selected within a predetermined time period. And, if a thumbnail
selection is detected in step S24, the flow goes to step S26, in which
image display process is carried out. On the other hand, if any thumbnail
selection is not detected in step S24 within the predetermined time
period, the flow goes to step S28.

[0193] In step S28, it is checked whether or not any operation relating to
a search is done. In detail, it is checked in step S28 whether or not
arrow key 54 is operated. If an operation of arrow key is detected in
step S28, the flow goes to step S30 to carry out search process, the flow
then going to step S32. The search process in step S30 will be explained
later in more detail. On the other hand, if any operation for search is
not detected in step S28, the flow directly goes to step S32.

[0194] In step S32, it is checked whether or not any operation of photo
button 59 is done. If some operation of photo button 59 is detected in
step S32, the flow goes to step S34 in which the photo taking mode
process is carried out. The photo taking mode process will be explained
later in more detail.

[0195] If any operation of photo button 59 is not detected in step S32,
the flow goes to step S36 to check whether or not the first digital
camera 1 is turned OFF by operating power button 51. If no power OFF
operation is detected in step S36, the flow returns to step S22 to repeat
a loop of step S22 to step S36 unless any operation is detected in step
S24 or step S32 or step S36. If a new search process is carried out in
step S30 during the repetitions of the loop of step S22 to step S36, the
display of thumbnails in step S22 is updated in accordance with a new
result of the search. On the other hand, if power OFF operation is
detected in step S36, the flow goes to the end.

[0196] As has been mentioned, the above explanation of FIG. 8 and FIG. 9
is made according to such a setting that the first digital camera 1 is
turned ON in the playback mode to directly display image 71 as in FIG. 5
if power button 51 is operated. On the other hand, if the first digital
camera 1 is set to be turned ON in the playback mode to display hit
thumbnails 58 as in FIG. 4 in response to the operation of power button
51, the flow of FIG. 8 automatically jumps from step S14 to step S22 of
FIG. 9. In other words, the flow of FIG. 9 automatically stars following
step S14 of FIG. 8.

[0197]FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the detail of the image display
process in step S16 of FIG. 8 and step S26 of FIG. 9. If the flow starts,
it is checked in step S42 whether or not the first digital camera 1 is
within the communication range of any of wireless access points. If it is
determined in step S42 that the first digital camera 1 is within the
communication range, the flow advances to step S44 to check whether or
not the automatic online selection is set. If not, the flow goes to step
S46 to check whether not the online setting is manually selected. If it
is determined in step S46 that the online setting is manually selected,
the flow then going to step S48. On the other hand, if it is determined
in step S44 that the automatic online selection is set, the flow directly
goes to step S48.

[0198] Next in step S48, it is checked whether or not the selected display
image data has been gotten to be kept in image storage portion 35. If
not, the flow goes to step S50 in which display image getting process is
carried out. In step S48, even if the selected image was once gotten, it
is determined that the selected image data has not been gotten if the
selected image data once gotten has gone due to be overwritten by another
display image.

[0199] In the display image getting process in step S50, the connection
jumps from URL for displaying hit thumbnails provided by integrated image
administration server 6 to URL for displaying the selected image provided
by the first picture archiving and communication system 5, the display
image data at the latter URL being downloaded to keep in image storage
portion 35. Next, in step S52, the display image data gotten through step
S52 is displayed on display 40, which results in the display layout in
FIG. 5 showing display image 71 with attribute data 53 and 72 to 74.

[0200] On the other hand, if it is not determined that the first digital
camera 1 is within the communication range of any access point, the flow
advances to step S54 to retrieve selected display image data from image
storage portion 35. In this case, the selected image data is stored in
image storage portion 35 without fail since the search in step S13 is
conducted only into image storage portion 35 which is caused by
determination in step S5 that the first digital camera 1 is not within
the communication range of any access point. The flow then advances from
step S54 to step S52, in which the display layout in FIG. 5 is also
caused to show display image 71 with attribute data 53 and 72 to 74.

[0201] As is apparent from the above, the display layout in FIG. 5 does
not alter depending on whether the first digital camera 1 is in the
online state or the off-line state except for the tick at online/off-line
indicator 52. Thus, the first user can enjoy the display mode with no
attention paid to whether the first digital camera 1 is in the online
state or the off-line state unless the first user intentionally wants to
change the tick at online/off-line indicator 52. Further, since the
operation of the first digital camera 1 is the same both in online state
and in off-line state, the first user can operate the first digital
camera as if it were a conventional digital camera with no special
operations in the online state necessary.

[0202] Further, if the display layout in FIG. 5 is changed due to an
upgrading of the software in the first picture archiving and
communication system 5 or the like, the upgraded display software is
simultaneously and automatically downloaded to be kept in memory 41.
Thus, even in off-line state, the digital camera 1 carries out the
display mode according to the upgraded software in memory 41. So, the
common display layout between the online state and the off-line state is
kept in tune with each other without any difference caused by an
upgrading.

[0203] The common layout and its simultaneous maintenance between online
state and off-line state are not only true in the display image layout of
FIG. 5, but also in the thumbnails layout of FIG. 4.

[0204] To return to the explanation of the flow, if it is not determined
in step S46 that the online setting is manually selected although the
first digital camera 1 is within the communication range, there is no
need to newly get the display image. Similarly, if it is determined in
step 48 that the selected display image data has been gotten to be kept
in image storage portion 35, there is no need to further get the display
image. So in both cases the flow goes to step S54 to retrieve selected
display image data from image storage portion 35.

[0205] As has been understood, there is theoretically no need to get the
selected display image data if it has been gotten to be kept in image
storage portion 35. However, provided that the baud rate of data
transmission from the first picture archiving and communication system 5
to the first digital camera 1 is extremely high, such a modification may
be possible that the first digital camera 1 is to get the selected
display image data by means of step S50 even if it has been gotten into
image storage portion 35. This may update the same display image data in
image storage portion 35 in accordance with a possible refinement made on
the same display image data in the first picture archiving and
communication system 5.

[0206] It is possible to design the first digital camera 1 so that the
first user can predetermine whether or not to carry out step 50 when the
selected display image data has been gotten to be kept in image storage
portion 35.

[0207] After displaying image 71 with attribute data 53 and 72 to 74 in
step S24, the flow goes to step S56 to check whether or not attribute
edit button 62 is operated. If done, the flow goes to step S58 to carry
the attribute edition process. The attribute edition process in step S58
will be explained later in detail. On the other hand, if it is not
detected in step S56 that attribute edit button 62 is operated, the flow
goes to step S60.

[0208] In step S60, it is checked whether or not photo button 59 is
operated. If done, the flow goes to step S62 to carry the photo taking
mode process. On the other hand, if it is not detected in step S60 that
photo button 59 is operated, the flow goes to step S64.

[0209] In step S64, it is checked whether or not one of the pair of image
feed buttons 76 is operated. Also in step S64, if the image feeding
operation is done, a new display image is selected in accordance with the
image feeding direction determined by the operated one of the pair of
image feed buttons 76. In other words, the last or the next image data in
the order set in step S11 of FIG. 8 is selected in dependence on which
one of the pair of image feed buttons 76 is operated. Upon the completion
of selecting he new display image, the flow returns to step 42 to display
the new display image in accordance with the already explained process in
step 42 to step S52

[0210] Thus, the display image 71, scope section 53, title box 72, photo
taking date and time box 73 and tag box 74 are replaced by new display
image data and its attributes with the layout of display 40 in FIG. 5
taken over.

[0211] If it is not detected in step S64 that any of the pair of image
feed buttons 76 is operated, the flow advances to step 68 to whether or
not the first digital camera 1 is turned OFF by operating power button
51. If no power OFF operation is detected in step S68, the flow returns
to step S56 to repeat a loop of step S56 to step S68 unless any operation
is detected in step S56 or step S60 or step S64 or step S68. On the other
hand, if power OFF operation is detected in step S68, the flow goes to
the end.

[0212]FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the detail of the image search
process in step S30 of FIG. 9. If arrow key 54 is operated, the flow in
FIG. 10 starts to go to step S71 to retrieve the last search condition,
which is stored in memory 41. Next, in step 72 it is checked whether or
not any new search condition is set by arrow key 54 or numeric keypad 55.
If a new search condition is set, the flow goes to step S74 to replace
the retrieved last condition by the set new search condition to go to
step S76. On the other hand, if it is not detected that any new search
condition is set, the flow directly goes to step S76 with the retrieved
last search condition kept.

[0213] In step S76, it is checked whether or not the first digital camera
1 is within the communication range of any of wireless access points. If
it is not detected that the first digital camera 1 is within the
communication range, the flow goes to step S78 to check whether or not
the set search condition is impossible outside the communication range.
In the case of impossible search condition, the flow goes to step S80 to
automatically replace the impossible search condition by a possible
search condition which resembles the impossible condition. For example,
if the search condition includes a tick in the member box or the public
box at scope section 53, the tick is automatically changed into the
private box or the favorite box, the manner of such automatic change
being predetermined in detail if desired. The automatic replacement of
search condition can be predetermined to be occur in condition box 56.

[0214] Thus, even in a case that no new search condition setting is
detected in step S72, there can be a case that the retrieved last search
condition is replaced by a new one to automatically follow a change such
as the switching from the online state to off-line state. This automatic
replacement of search condition, of course, automatically occurs if a new
search condition, which is set by arrow key 54 or numeric keypad 55 and
detected in step S72, is an impossible search condition in the off-line
state.

[0215] Thus, the automatic replacement of search condition means an
inhibition of setting an impossible search condition in the off-line
state when the first digital camera 1 is outside the communication range
of any of wireless access points.

[0216] Following step S80, the flow advances to step S82. On the other
hand, the flow directly advances to step S82 if it is detected in step
S76 that the first digital camera 1 is within the communication range of
some wireless access point, or if it is detected in step S78 that the set
search condition is possible even outside the communication range.

[0217] In step S82, it is checked whether or not an operation is done to
save the new search condition. If done, the flow advances to step S84 to
save the new search condition in memory 41, the flow then going to step
S85. On the other hand, the flow directly goes to step S85 if it is not
determined in step 82 that any operation is done to save the new search
condition.

[0218] In step S85, it is checked whether or not the operation of arrow
key 54 done is the pushing down thereof to direct the search. If the
operation is the pushing down of arrow key 54, the flow advances to step
S86 to check whether or not the first digital camera 1 is within the
communication range of any of wireless access points. If within the
communication range, the flow advances to step S88 to check whether or
not the automatic online selection is set. If not, the flow goes to step
S90 to check whether or not the online setting is manually selected. If
it is detected in step S90 that the online setting is selected, the flow
advances to step S92. On the other hand, the flow directly advanced to
step S92 if it is determined in step S88 that the automatic online
selection is set.

[0219] In step S92, the search result updating process is carried out to
get the latest result of the search conducted by integrated image
administration server 6 through Internet 4. In more detail, the new
search condition is sent to integrated image administration server 6,
which in response thereto sends back the new search result to the first
digital camera 1. If the search result has been gotten, the flow goes to
the end.

[0220] On the other hand, if it is not detected in step S86 that the first
digital camera is within the communication range of any wireless access
point, the flow advances to step S94 to have camera controller 31 search
into own image storage portion 35. If the search has been completed, the
flow goes to the end. If it is not detected in step S85 that the
operation of arrow key 54 done is the pushing down thereof to direct the
search, the flow instantly goes to the end since the operation of arrow
key 54 done is merely caused in the course of setting search condition.

[0221] If it is not determined in step S90 that the online setting is
manually selected although the first digital camera 1 is within the
communication range, the flow goes to step S94 to have camera controller
31 search into own image storage portion 35. If the search has been
completed, the flow goes to the end.

[0222] If the flow of FIG. 11 goes to the end in any of the causes above,
the flow leads to step S32 in FIG. 9, which repeats the loop of step S22
to step S36 unless any operation is detected in step S24 or step S32 or
step S36. So, if an operation of arrow key 54 is detected in step S28,
the flow of FIG. 11 is also repeated.

[0223]FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the detail of the photo taking mode
process in step S34 of FIG. 9 and step S62 of FIG. 10. If it is detected
in step S32 of FIG. 9 or step S60 of FIG. 10 that photo button 59 is
pushed in half, the photo taking mode process in FIG. 12 starts to go to
step S102 in which display 40 displays video image 91 which is currently
taken by image taking portion 33.

[0224] Next in step S104, it is checked whether or not the first digital
camera 1 is set to display the searched image in the auxiliary window 93.
If such a setting is done, the flow advances to step S106 in which the
first digital camera 1 displays in auxiliary window 93 the last display
image 71 appearing as the result of the search in the playback mode such
as in FIG. 5 before switching to the photo taking mode. Then, the flow
goes to step S108.

[0225] On the other hand, if it is not detected in step S104 that the
first digital camera 1 is set to display the searched image in the
auxiliary window 93, the flow goes to step S110 in which the first
digital camera 1 displays the last taken image in auxiliary window 93.
Then, the flow also goes to step S108.

[0226] In step S108, it is checked whether or not photo button 59 is
pushed in full. If so, the flow goes to step S112 to carry out the image
recording process. In more detail, the image data taken by image taking
portion 33 is processed by image processor 34 to be recorded in image
storage portion 35 in step S112. The image recording process in step S112
will be explained later in more detail. On the other hand, if it is not
detected in step S108 that photo button 59 is pushed in full, the flow
returns to step S102 to repeat afterward the loop of step S102 to step
S108 including step S110 unless photo button 59 in pushed in full.

[0227] The flow advances from step S112 to step S114 to check whether or
not the first digital camera 1 is within the communication range of any
of wireless access points. If within the communication range, the flow
advances to step S116 to check whether or not the automatic online
selection is set. If not, the flow goes to step S117 to check whether or
not the online setting is manually selected. If it is detected in step
S117 that the online setting is selected, the flow advances to step S118.
On the other hand, the flow directly advanced to step S118 if it is
determined in step S116 that the automatic online selection is set.

[0228] In step S118, it is checked whether or not the first user makes a
contract with the first picture archiving and communication system 5 to
keep image taken by the first digital camera 1. If such a contract is
made, the flow advances to step S120. Such a contract has normally
finished upon buying the first digital camera 1. Thus, as long as the
first user is a true owner of the first digital camera 1, the flow
advances from step S118 to step S120.

[0229] In step S120, it is checked whether or not the first digital camera
1 is so set that attributes such as tags are automatically affix to a
taken image data. If the automatic attribute affixation is set, the flow
advances to step S122 to carry out the automatic affixation process to
affix tags or the like to the taken image data. The automatic affixation
process in step S122 will be explained later in more detail. The flow
then goes to step S124 to carry out the image upload process in which the
image data with attribute data affixed thereto is uploaded to the first
picture archiving and communication system 5 through Internet.

[0230] On the other hand, if it is not detected in step 120 that the
automatic attribute affixation is set in the first digital camera 1, the
flow goes to step S126 to carry out the edit process in which attributes
are manually affixed or edited. The flow then goes to step S124. The edit
process in step S126 is explained later in more detail.

[0231] Following step S124, the flown goes to step S128 to carry out the
capacity indication process, the flow then returning to step S102 to
prepare for the next photography. For terminating the photo taking mode
process, view button 61 is operated to cause an interruption for starting
the flow of FIG. 8. Alternatively, the first digital camera 1 is turned
OFF if power button 51 is operated.

[0232] On the other hand, if it is not detected in step S114 that the
digital camera 1 is within the communication range, the flow directly
advances to step S128. Similarly, if it is not detected in step S117 that
the online setting is selected, the flow directly advances to step S128.
Further, if it is not detected in step S118 that the first user makes a
contract with the first picture archiving and communication system 5 to
keep image taken by the first digital camera 1, the flow directly
advances to step S128. The capacity indication process will be explained
later in more detail.

[0233]FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the detail of the display image
getting process in step S50 of FIG. 10. If the flow starts, the flow goes
to step S132 to download through Internet the display image prepared and
kept by the first picture archiving and communication system 5. If the
purpose of getting display image is to merely display the gotten image in
step S52 of FIG. 10, the sole step S132 is sufficient. However, step S132
of FIG. 13 is followed by steps led by step S134 to determine how to keep
the gotten display image.

[0234] The total capacity of image storage portion 35 is possible to be
divided into a recording capacity for recording newly taken photographs
and a display capacity for keeping the downloaded display images. Step
S134 is for checking whether or not the display capacity is secured for
keeping the downloaded display images.

[0235] If it is determined in step S134 that the display capacity is not
secured, such determination means that total capacity of image storage
portion is not divided form the beginning, but entirely assigned to the
capacity for recording newly taken photographs. Or, the determination
means that the image data of newly taken photographs overflowing the
recoding capacity cut into the display capacity initially secured for
keeping the display images to finally consume all the display capacity.

[0236] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S134 that display
capacity is secured, the flow advances to step S136 to check whether or
not the display capacity is occupied by display image date protected from
being overwritten by another display data. Such a display image data is
protected that is highly expected to be played back soon as has been
already mentioned. For example, a display image data for a picture newly
taken by the first digital camera is protected unless the first digital
camera 1 is not in use over a prescribed period of time, e.g. more than
three hours, after the date changes.

[0237] If it is not detected in step S136 that the display capacity is
occupied by the protected display image date, the flow advances to step
S138 to check whether or not the downloaded display image data is the
same as display image data created by the first digital camera 1 and left
in image storage portion 35. If any, the flow goes to step S140, in which
the downloaded display image data overwrites the left same display image
data, then the flow going to the end. In other words, this replacement of
the same display image data is effective to prevent other display image
data from disappearing. On the other hand, if any display image data
created by the first digital camera 1 is left in image storage portion
35, the flow goes to step S142.

[0238] In step S142, it is checked whether or not the downloaded display
image data is the same as display image data previously downloaded and
left in image storage portion 35. If any, the flow goes to step S144, in
which the downloaded display image data overwrites the left previously
downloaded display image data, then the flow going to the end. In other
words, this type of replacement of the same display image data is also
effective to prevent other display image data from disappearing. If
display image data is left in image storage portion 35, step S48 in FIG.
10 functions not to download the same display image data. As has been
pointed out, however, steps S142 and S144 are necessary in case the step
S50 is carried out for downloading the already downloaded display image
data if the baud rate of data transmission is extremely high. If it is
not detected in step S142 that the downloaded display image data is the
same as display image data previously downloaded and left in image
storage portion 35, the flow goes to step S146.

[0239] In step S146, the downloaded display image data overwrites the
oldest display image data gotten and left in image storage portion 35,
then the flow going to the end. This manner of overwriting is effective
to prevent newer other display image data from disappearing.

[0240] If it is determined in step S134 that the display capacity is not
secured, the flow goes to step S148. Or, if it is determined in step S136
that the display capacity is occupied by the protected display image
date, the flow also goes to step S148. In step S148, it is checked
whether or not the recording capacity for recording newly taken
photographs has been fully occupied. If the recording capacity is not
occupied, the flow goes to step S149, in which the downloaded display
image data is recorded in image storage portion 35 with the use of
remaining recording capacity obtained. Of course, the downloaded display
image data stored in image storage portion 35 according to the above
manner is to disappear any time when a newly taken image data overwrites
such a display image data. Thus, in estimating the remaining capacity
which will be explained later, the display image data stored in
accordance with step S149 is treated as if it does not occupy the
recording capacity. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S148
that the recording capacity is fully occupied, the flow goes to the end
with the downloaded display image data not recorded in image storage
portion 35 at all.

[0241] As is apparent from the above, the downloaded display image data is
once recorded as many as possible by means of making use of the maximum
available capacity of image storage portion 35. However, it is not the
first digital camera 1, but the first picture archiving and communication
system 5 to essentially fulfill the role of keeping the display image
data. In other words, the playback of image on digital camera 1 is to be
essentially done by downloading the display image data from the first
picture archiving and communication system 5 as needed. Thus, the display
image data recorded in image storage portion 35 is allowed to be
overwritten by a higher priority of image data any time.

[0242]FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the detail of the image recording
process in step S112 of FIG. 12. If the flow starts, the flow goes to
step S152 to check whether or not all the capacity of image storage
portion 35 is absolutely occupied. The case that all the capacity is
absolutely occupied means that not only the recording capacity but also
the display capacity, which is initially secured to keep the downloaded
display images, is occupied by the image data of newly taken photographs.
Even if the display capacity is occupied by the display image data, it is
not determined in step S152 that all the capacity is absolutely occupied.

[0243] If it is not detected in step S152 that all the capacity of image
storage portion 35 is occupied, the flow advances to step S154. In step
S154, it is checked whether or not the recording capacity initially
secured to record newly taken photographs is occupied.

[0244] If it is detected in step S154 that the recording capacity is
occupied, the flow advances to step S155. In step S155, it is checked
whether or not the display capacity initially secured to keep the
downloaded display images is occupied. If it is detected in step S155
that the display capacity is occupied, the image data occupying the
display capacity in this case is the protected display image data.

[0245] So, if it is detected in step S155 that the display capacity is
occupied, the flow advances to step S156 to release the kept display
image data from protection so that the newly taken image data can
overwrite the display image data. This is because that a higher priority
is put on the recording of the newly taken photograph than the
convenience of possible playback of the display image without accessing
the first picture archiving and communication system 5 to download it.
Next, a caution about deletion of the display image data is made in step
S157, the flow then going to step S158. On the other hand, if it is not
detected in step S155 that the display capacity is occupied, the flow
directly goes to step S158.

[0246] In step S158, the image data of newly taken photograph is stored in
the display capacity, which is initially secured for keeping the display
image data, the flow then going to step S160. In step S158, the image
data of newly taken photograph is overwritten on unprotected display
image data in the order of gotten time from the oldest. In the case of
coming to step S158 by way of step S157, the image data of newly taken
photograph is overwritten on display image data in the order of time when
the display image data is released from the protection.

[0247] On the other hand, if it is not detected in step S154 that the
recording capacity is occupied, the flow advances to step S162 to record
the image data of newly taken photograph in the recording capacity which
is initially secured for the newly taken photographs. Then, the flow goes
to step S160.

[0248] In step S160, new display image data is created on the image data
of newly taken photograph, which is kept in the display capacity of image
storage portion 35 in step S164, the flow then going to the end of the
flow.

[0249] On the other hand, if it is detected in step S152 that all the
capacity of image storage portion 35 is occupied, the flow goes to step
S166 to inhibit the imaged data to be recorded in image storage portion
35. Next in step S168, an indication on display 40 is made to inform the
use of the incapability of photograph because all the capacity is full.

[0250] Further, in step S170, the first digital camera 1 is forced into a
condition as if it is outside the communication range before going to the
end of the flow. Thus, the flow of FIG. 12 is directed from step S114 to
step 128 with the meaningless steps S116 to S124 skipped, which would be
otherwise carried out with the digital camera 1 within the communication
range.

[0251]FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the detail of the image upload
process in step S124 of FIG. 12. If the flow starts, the flow goes to
step S132 to check whether or not the contract capacity in the server
assigned by the first picture archiving and communication system 5 is
occupied by the uploaded image data with no room of accepting new image
data left any more.

[0252] If occupied, the flow advances to step S184 to check whether or not
the automatic draft is possible in accordance with the contract with the
first picture archiving and communication system 5. If the automatic
draft is possible, the flow advances to step S186 to increase the
contract capacity in return of payment to the first picture archiving and
communication system 5 by the automatic draft. The flow then goes to step
S188. On the other hand, if it is not detected in step S182 that the
contract capacity is occupied, the flow directly goes to step S188.

[0253] In step S188, the main image data with its attribute data is
uploaded to the first picture archiving and communication system 5 with
the original main image data itself deleted in step S190 form image
storage portion 35 of the first digital camera 1 if the upload is
successful.

[0254] Further in step S192, the completion of the upload is indicated on
display 40. Next, in step S194, the first digital camera 1 is informed by
the first picture archiving and communication system 5 of the remaining
contract capacity with the new upload taken into consideration, to
thereby indicate the remaining server capacity, the flow then going to
the end.

[0255] On the other hand, if it is not detected in step S184 that the
automatic draft is possible, any new image data by no means can be
uploaded the first picture archiving and communication system 5 with the
contracted capacity is occupied. So, the flow goes to step S196 to give
up the upload, followed by information on display 40 of the upload
incapability in Step 198 and of the occupied contract capacity. The flow
then goes to the end.

[0256] Here, a related function of the first picture archiving and
communication system 5 is referred to although it is not carried out by
the flow in FIG. 15. Namely, on the bases of newly main image data
uploaded from the first digital camera 1, the first picture archiving and
communication system 5 creates a display image data of the size suitable
for displaying on display 40 of the first digital camera 1 in automatic
response to the upload of the main image data to keep the created display
image data as well as the main image data for responding to a coming
request from the first digital camera 1 to download the display image
data.

[0257] It is needless to say that the function in FIG. 15 is solely for
uploading image data taken by the first digital camera 1 itself. In other
words, the first digital camera 1 has no function of uploading any imaged
data gotten by downloading from the first picture archiving and
communication system 5 for avoiding confusion in duplicate uploading.

[0258]FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing the detail of the capacity
indication process in step S9 of FIG. 8 and step S128 of FIG. 12. If the
flow starts, the flow goes to step S211 to automatically release the kept
display image data from protection if its limitation period has expired.
As previously mentioned, the display image data is automatically
protected under some reasonable condition and time limit to make it
possible for the first user to easily play back the image again on the
first digital camera 1 without accessing the first picture archiving and
communication system 5. For example, the display image data for the
photographs taken on the day are protected unless the first digital
camera 1 is not in use over a prescribed period of time, e.g. more than
three hours, after the date changes. Similarly, the display image data
downloaded within the past prescribed period of time is protected as such
an image data has provably high possibility of being played back again.
The count of lapse of the prescribed period of time is to be reset every
time when the display image data is played back. Step 211 is for
automatically releasing the display image data from protection if the
prescribed period of time has expired without the counting thereof reset.

[0259] Next in step S212 it is checked whether or not all the capacity of
image storage portion 35 is absolutely occupied. Such a situation that
all the capacity is absolutely occupied in step S212 can be caused by the
flow going from step S114 directly to step S128 since the first digital
camera 1 is not within the communication range.

[0260] If it is not detected in step S212 that all the capacity of image
storage portion 35 is occupied, the flow goes to step S214 to check
whether or not the recording capacity initially secured to record newly
taken photographs is occupied. Such a situation that the recording
capacity initially secured to record newly taken photographs is occupied
can also be caused by the flow going from step S114 directly to step S128
since the first digital camera 1 is not within the communication range.

[0261] If it is not detected in step S214 that the recording capacity is
occupied, the flow advances to step S216 to make the first level of
remaining capacity indication, the flow then going to the end. This
indication means the remaining capacity of the recording capacity
initially secured to record newly taken photographs. If the first digital
camera 1 is within the communication range and the contract capacity of
the server is not occupied, the image data of the newly taken photograph
is instantly uploaded. Thus, the recording capacity of the recording
capacity initially secured to record newly taken photographs is kept
empty.

[0262] If it is detected in step S214 that the recording capacity is
occupied, the flow advances to step S218 to check whether or not the
display capacity initially secured to keep the downloaded display images
is occupied. If it is detected in step S218 that the display capacity is
occupied, the image data occupying the display capacity in this case is
the protected display image data.

[0263] If it is determined in step S218 that the display capacity is not
occupied because the image data kept in the display capacity is not the
protected display image data, the flow goes to step S219 to check whether
or not the first digital camera 1 is within the communication range of
any of wireless access points. If it is detected in step S219 that the
first digital camera is outside the communication range, the flow goes to
step S220 to recommend the first user to manually send the taken image
data in a preparatory manner by way of the mobile phone since the
recording capacity is occupied as detected in step S214. However, the
first user can take the photograph with the recommendation neglected
since the display capacity is remaining.

[0264] Step S220 is followed by step S221 in which the second level of
remaining capacity indication is made, the flow then going to the end.
The second level of remaining capacity indication in step S221 is made in
place of the first level of remaining capacity indication in step S216.
The second level of remaining capacity means the display capacity which
is initially secured to keep the downloaded display images and is to be
usable for recording newly taken photographs in place of the display
capacity. On the other hand, if it is detected in step S219 that the
first digital camera is within the communication range, the flow directly
goes to step S221 with the preparatory recommendation in step 220
skipped.

[0265] If it is detected in step S218 that the display capacity is
occupied, the flow goes to step S222 to make a preliminary caution such
as "Capacity full, but shots possible with protected display image data
deleted" is given. Next in step S224, the third level of remaining
capacity indication is made, the flow then going to the end. The third
level of remaining capacity indication means that the photograph itself
can be taken by cutting into the display capacity with the protected
display image data overwritten. The third level of remaining capacity
indication in step S224 is made in place of the first level of remaining
capacity indication in step S216.

[0266] The remaining capacity indications in steps S216, S221 and S224
each defer from the others in their meanings, respectively. So, each
indication is made with unique color or font or size or location
different form the others to distinguish it from the others.

[0267] On the other hand, if it is detected in step S212 that all the
capacity of image storage portion 35 is absolutely occupied, the flow
goes to step S226 to make an emergency caution. Next, in step S228, it is
checked whether or not the first digital camera 1 is within the
communication range. If not, the flow advances to step S230 to check
whether or not the digital camera 1 is set into a condition of automatic
cooperation with the mobile phone. If in such a condition, the flow goes
to step S232 to have the mobile phone automatically call the server
through Internet 4 to send the taken image data from the first digital
camera 1 to the first picture archiving and communication system 5, the
flow then going to the end.

[0268] On the other hand, if it is not detected in step S230 that the
digital camera 1 is set into a condition of automatic cooperation with
the mobile phone, the flow goes to step S234 to recommend the first user
on display 40 to instantly send the taken image data by means of manual
operation of the mobile phone, the flow then going to the end . . . ,

[0269] The function of the first digital camera 1 in sending image data by
way of the mobile phone which is automatically done in step S232 or
manually done by the first user at the sight of the recommendation made
in step S220 or step S234 is similar to the image upload process carried
out in FIG. 15 except that the mobile phone replaces wireless access
point 3. Namely, the first digital camera 1 carries out the flow in FIG.
15 caused by one of steps S232, S220 and S234 with wireless access point
3 is replaced by the mobile phone.

[0270] If it is determined in step S228 that the first digital camera 1 is
within the communication range of any of wireless access points, the flow
instantly goes to the end since this situation is caused by such a fact
that the contract capacity in the server is occupied which makes it
impossible to send the taken image data even if the first digital camera
1 is within the communication range.

[0271] FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the detail of the automatic
attribute affixation process in step S122 of FIG. 12. If the flow starts,
the flow goes to step S242 to automatically input the attribute of scope
section at "private". Next, in step S244 a mark is input for indicating
that the attribute affixation above is made automatically. Such a mark
may be put as the form of a general tag or as a special form of data. Or
the mark is input with the use of the area for the title, which is
initially made blank upon the automatic attribute affixation.

[0272] The above mentioned mark indicating the automatic attribute
affixation is to distinguish the attribute affixed without any proof by
the first user from the attribute which the first user affixed by its own
will. Thus, the attribute without proof can be easily picked up due to
the mark upon editing the attribute. Step S244 is followed by step S246
to automatically input date and time.

[0273] Upon completion of the input above, the flow advances to step S248
to check whether or not any common tag is manually set in advance so as
to be automatically input to all of a predetermined series of
photographs. Such a common tag may be set for inputting to all the
photographs taken by the first digital camera 1 without fail. Or, a
different common tag may be set each time when an event such as a travel
is planed. If any common tag is detected in step S248, the flow advances
to step S250 to automatically input the common tag, the flow then going
to step S252. On the other hand, if any common tag is not detected in
step S248, the flow directly goes to step S252.

[0274] In step S252, it is checked whether or not any tag information is
received through wireless communication form an object in a notable site
where the first use is visiting. If any received tag information is
detected in step S252, the flow advances to step S254 to automatically
input the received tag, the flow then going to step S256. On the other
hand, if any received tag information is not detected in step S252, the
flow directly goes to step S256.

[0275] In step S256, it is checked whether or not any barcode tag
information is read from a taken image data of an object in a notable
site where the first use is visiting. If any barcode tag information is
detected in step S256, the flow advances to step S258 to automatically
input the tag information read from the barcode, the flow then going to
step S260. On the other hand, if any barcode tag information is not
detected in step S256, the flow directly goes to step S260.

[0276] In step S260, information is gotten from GPS and direction sensor
44. Further, in step S262, image analysis is carried out to extrapolate
an object taken. And, in step S264, tag estimation process is carried out
for trying to estimate a tag on the basis of the information gotten in
steps S260 and S262 by consulting with a lookup table storing various
relationships of tags with the combinations of the GPS and direction
information and the extrapolated object information . . . ,

[0277] Next, in step S266, it is checked whether or not any suitable tag
is estimated. If the estimation is successful, the flow advances to step
S268 to automatically input the estimated tag information, the flow then
going to step S270. On the other hand, if it is not detected that any
suitable tag is estimated, the flow directly goes to step S270. The case
that any suitable tag is not estimated is caused not only by the failure
in the tag estimation process in step S264, but by the failure in getting
necessary information in step S260 or step S262.

[0278] In step S270, the advertising information process is carried out.
In the advertising process, tags gotten in step S254 or S258 are
processed if such tags are viewed as advertising information form a
hotel, shop or the like located in the notable site. In more detail, the
advertising process carried out as the function of the first digital
camera 1 investigates into all the automatically gotten tags to pick up
seemingly advertising tags for encrypting it into data which cannot be
spread as a meaningful tag against the will of the first user even if
uploaded with the image data, but recognizable in the advertisement
utilizing process explained later. Thus, the advertising tags are so
encrypted that they can be decrypted by the function of the first digital
camera 1.

[0279]FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the detail of the attribute edition
process in step S58 of FIG. 10 and step S126 of FIG. 12. The flow in FIG.
18 also includes the function caused by attribute edit button 62 pushed
in the condition shown in FIG. 4.

[0280] If attribute edit button 62 is pushed, the flow starts to go to
step S282 to check whether or not attribute edit button 62 is pushed with
thumbnails displayed as in the manner of FIG. 4. If it is determined in
step S282 that attribute edit button 62 is pushed with thumbnails
displayed, the flow goes to step 284 to pick up thumbnails with the mark
input in step S244 in FIG. 17 which indicates that the attribute
affixation is made automatically without any proof by the first user.
Next, in step S286, the picked up thumbnails are displayed, the flow then
going to the end with leaving the display of the picked up thumbnails.
Thus, if one of such thumbnails is selected, the display window of FIG. 5
is caused through the functions of the flow in FIG. 10.

[0281] If it is not detected in step S282 that attribute edit button 62 is
pushed with thumbnails displayed, attribute edit button 62 is considered
to be pushed under the display condition in FIG. 5. Thus, the flow in
this case goes to step S288 to cause the display window for attribute
edition as in FIG. 6. The current attribute is also displayed in step
S290. In the case of image data with the automatic attribute affixation
mark, automatically input attribute put in accordance with the function
of FIG. 17 is displayed. Thus, the display in FIG. 6 with affixed tag
window 82 is caused.

[0282] Next, in step 292, the existing tag same as or relational to the
affixed tag is searched through the communication with integrated image
administration server 6. The relational tag means a tag which is not the
same as the affixed tag, but is synonymous to the affixed tag or the
like. Next, in step S294, it is checked whether or not any same or
relational tag is found.

[0283] If it is detected in step S294 that the same or relational tag is
found, the flow goes to step S296 to indicate the found same or
relational tag in both affixed tag window 82 and existing tag window 83
in FIG. 6, the flow then going to step S298. On the other hand, if it is
not detected in step S294 that the same or relational tag is found, the
flow directly goes to step S298. In this case, nothing is indicated in
existing tag window 83.

[0284] In more detail, the function in step S296 adds underline to a tag
in affixed tag window 82 in FIG. 6 if the tag is the same as an existing
tag, which is to be indicated in existing tag window 83 with
corresponding underline. With respect to a relational tag found among
existing tags, the found relational tag is indicated in existing tag
window 83 without under line so as to be distinguishable form the tag
identical with the tag in affixed tag window 82.

[0285] In step 298, it is checked whether or not attribute edit operation
is done. If it is detected in step S298 that the attribute edit operation
is done, the flow goes to step S300 to carry out the edition executing
process, the flow then going to step S302. On the other hand, if it is
not detected in step S298 that the attribute edit operation is done, the
flow directly goes to step S302. The details of the attribute edit
process will be explained later.

[0286] In step S302, it is checked whether or not any encrypted tag is
left unprocessed in affixed tag window 82. If any, the flow advances to
step S304 to carry out the advertisement utilizing process, the flow then
going to step S306. On the other hand, if it is not detected in step S302
that any encrypted tag exists, the flow directly goes to step S306. The
details of the advertisement utilizing process will be explained later.

[0287] In step S306, it is checked whether or not edition terminating
operation is done, the flow going to the end if such an operation is to
be done. On the other hand, if it is not detected in step S306 that
edition terminating operation is done, the flow returns to step S290 to
repeat the loop of step S290 to step 306 unless it is detected in step
S306 that edition terminating operation is done.

[0288] If the flow of FIG. 18 goes to the end, the flow returns to the
condition of display in FIG. 5 in the case that the flow of FIG. 18 is
carried out as step S8 of FIG. 10. On the other hand, if the flow of FIG.
18 goes to the end as the function of step S126 of FIG. 12, the flow
advances to step S124 for carrying out the image upload process.

[0289]FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the detail of the advertisement
utilizing process in step S304 of FIG. 18. If the flow starts, the flow
goes to step S312 to check whether or not an operation is done within a
predetermined period of time to select one of the encrypted tags left
unprocessed. In other words, it is checked whether or not one is selected
among encrypted tag or tags left unprocessed in affixed tag window 82 in
FIG. 6 by manual operation of arrow key 54 or numeric keypad 55.

[0290] If it is detected in step S312 that the one encrypted tag is
selected within the time period, the flow advances to step S314 to
temporarily decrypt the tag. The decrypted tag is displayed in step S316
with the use of existing tag window 83 in display 40 for the first user
to confirm the contents of the advertising, which includes the name of
the hotel or shop, advantages or the like. Next, in step S318, a query is
displayed on display 40 to ask whether or not to agree the advertisement
to be affixed to the image data as a normal tag, and it is checked
whether or not an agreement operation is done in response to the query
within a predetermined period of time. If the agreement operation is
confirmed in step S318, the flow goes to step S320 to permanently cancel
the encryption of the tag so that the tag may be affixed to the image in
a form of a normal tag indicating the name of the hotel or the like,
which can be hit during the tag search by anyone. Thus, if the name of
the hotel is hit as a tag for example, the photograph of the hotel taken
by the first user serves as the advertisement of the hotel.

[0291] Step 320 is followed by step S322, in which the first user gets
electronic coupon form the advertiser such as the hotel or the shop in
exchange for the cancellation of the encryption in step S320. The
electronic coupon can be instantly used at the hotel or the shop since
the first user taking the photograph is naturally close to the hotel or
the shop.

[0292] Next, in step S324 a query is displayed on display 40 to ask
whether or not to input Weblog on the photograph of the hotel or the shop
making the advertisement, and it is checked whether or not an operation
related to Weblog is done in response to the query within a predetermined
period of time. If the operation is confirmed in step S324, the flow goes
to step S326 to carry out the related Weblog process. The related Weblog
process is to provide a link between the uploaded image data and Weblog
related to the advertiser so that the first user or anyone viewing the
photograph can input Weblog on the photograph of the hotel or the shop.
After completion of the related Weblog process, the flow goes to step
S328, in which the first user gets electronic coupon form the advertiser
in exchange for the related Weblog process in step S326. It should be
noted that the electronic coupon though the related Weblog process is
non-transferable and becomes valid after the Weblog is actually input.
Further, the advertiser can void the coupon if the input Weblog turns out
to be a slur or a mere adulation. Further, since the Weblog is
accompanied by the identification of the writer, Weblog out of malice or
coupon hunting repeated by the same writer would be ignored.

[0293] If it is not detected in step S324 that any operation related to
Weblog is done within the predetermined period of time, the flow
instantly goes to the end. If it is not detected in step S318 that any
agreement operation is done within the predetermined period of time, the
flow goes to step S330 to delete the tag selected in step S312, the flow
then going to the end. If it is not detected in step S312 that any
operation is done within a predetermined period of time to select one of
the encrypted tags, the flow instantly goes to the end. goes to step S330
to delete the tag selected in step S312, the flow then going to the end.

[0294]FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the detail of the edition executing
process in step S300 of FIG. 18. If the flow starts, step S332 comes
first to check whether or not the image under attribute edition is of the
own photograph. If not, the flow goes to a series of steps led by step
S333 for avoiding possible confusion otherwise caused in error by an
operation to change attribute which only the creator can change

[0295] At first, in step S333, any operation to change data in photo
taking date and time box 73 in FIG. 6 is made invalid. It is needless to
say in its nature that photo taking date and time should not be changed.
However, the change as to own photograph is made possible by means of a
special operation for a limited purpose of putting own photographs in
order. On the contrary, any change in photo taking date and time is
absolutely inhibited by step S333 as to photographs taken by others.

[0296] Next, in step S334, any operation to change data in title box 72 in
FIG. 6 is made invalid. Further, in step S335, any operation to change or
delete data in affixed tag box 82 in FIG. 6 is made invalid. As to
affixed tag box 82, however, an operation to add tag for own use is
possible since the addition of search keys does not cause any negative
influence on the photographs taken by others. Then, the flow advances to
step S336, in which any operation to change scope section 53 except
"favorite" box is made invalid. Finally, in step S337, any change in
attribute caused by operation which is not made invalid is executed to
realize the edition of attribute, the flow then going to the end.

[0297] On the other hand, if it is detected in step S332 that the image
under attribute edition is of the own photograph, the flow directly goes
to step S337 without any invalidation steps to realize changes in
attribute caused by all the operations, the flow then going to the end.

[0298] FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the search function carried out by
integrated image administration server 6 in cooperation with the search
result updating process of the first digital camera 1 carried out in step
S10 of FIG. 8 or step S92 of FIG. 11. If the flow of the first digital
camera 1 comes into step S10 of FIG. 8 or step S92 of FIG. 11, the flow
of FIG. 21 of integrated image administration server 6 starts to go to
step S342. In step S342, the search condition given by the first digital
camera is received to carry out the search in step S344. In conducting
the search in step S344, the scope is not limited within the first
picture archiving and communication system 5, but is extended into the
second picture archiving and communication system 10 or other all
possible picture archiving and communication systems even if the first
digital camera 1 contracts with the first picture archiving and
communication system 5 only.

[0299] If the search is completed, the flow advances to step S346 to pick
up duplication of the same image data within the search result. Such
duplication is caused if the first user has uploaded the same image data
to a plurality of the picture archiving and communication systems. Step
S348 checks whether or not any duplicated image data is picked up in step
S346 to go to step S350 if the duplication is picked up. In step S350, it
is checked whether or not the order from the first digital camera 1 is to
allow the duplication. If the duplication is not allowed, the flow goes
to step S352 to adopt one image data with the newest uploading date with
the other image data excluded from the search result. The adoption
carried out in step 352 can be based on an alternative rule other than
the newest uploading date, such as the largest image size.

[0300] Next, in step 353, the attribute data and the related data as to
the adopted image data is integrated. In other words, attribute data and
other related data such as Weblog originally affixed to the excluded
duplication image data are linked with the adopted image data. Thus, all
of the attribute data and the related data as to the same image data are
integrally linked to the adopted image data without fail even if the
duplicate image data itself is excluded from the search result.

[0301] Next in step S354, the search result including the adopted image
data from the duplication and other image data free from duplication
issue are sent to the first digital camera 1. Further, in step S356, the
excluded image data because of the duplication is also sent to the first
digital camera 1 for reverence with the link to the image data sent in
step S354 provided. Thus, the flow of the function in integrated image
administration server 6 goes to the end.

[0302] On the other hand, if it is detected in step S350 that the order
from the first digital camera 1 is to allow the duplication, the flow
goes to step S358 to arrange the duplicate image data side by side. In
this case, the uploading date and time is unified into the newest
throughout all the duplicate image data for the purpose of keeping the
side by side order even if the search result is sorted in the order of
the uploading date and time, which otherwise would make the duplicate
image data apart on the basis of the real uploading data and time. Then
the flow goes to step S360 to send the duplicate image data as well as
other image data to the first digital camera 1, the flow thus going to
the end.

[0303] If it is not detected in step S348 that any duplicated image data
is picked up in step S346, the flow instantly goes to step S360 to send
the search result to the first digital camera 1, the flow then going to
the end.

[0304] By receiving the search result sent through the functions above,
the first digital camera 1 can display the thumbnails 58 arranged in
accordance with the layout in FIG. 4 as the search result.

[0305] Here, the explanation is advanced to the function of the first
personal computer 7. The first personal computer 7 has basically the
similar functions as those in the first digital camera 1 such as image
recording, image searching, image displaying and image uploading
functions. Further, the first personal computer 7 has function of
downloading, from the first picture archiving and communication system 5,
the main image data of full-size or another image data, which is of a
greater size than that of the display image data for the first digital
camera 1, for the purpose of displaying on the first monitor 8 or
printing by the first home printer 16.

[0306]FIG. 22 is a flow chart of the function of the controller in the
first personal computer 7 having the above functions. The flow of FIG. 22
starts when the first personal computer 7 has carried out the image
search process similar to that in FIG. 11 and the thumbnail data as the
search result is received from integrated image administration server 6
functioning in accordance with FIG. 21.

[0307] If the flow starts, step S372 displays the results of the search so
that the hit images may be viewed at a glance for selection on the first
monitor 8 in the similar manner to that in FIG. 4. Initially, such
selection display of a plurality of images is on the thumbnail data which
is only available at this stage. Since the area of the first monitor 8 is
much greater than that of display 40 of the first digital camera 1, the
area for each thumbnail is enlarged in proportion to the difference in
area size of the monitor. However, the image is simply enlarged on the
thumbnail data of the same number of pixels at this stage, resolution of
the image is low. Thumbnails which cannot be initially displayed on the
first monitor can be viewed by scrolling the display.

[0308] Next, in step S374, one of the thumbnails is automatically
designated in accordance with a predetermined order, which causes the
Internet connection to URL of the corresponding display image data
prepared for displaying on display 40 and kept in the first picture
archiving and communication system 5, the display image data being gotten
through automatic download. The downloaded display image data replaces
the corresponding thumbnail data on the first monitor 8 in step S378. In
contrast to that the area size assigned to one display image in the area
of first monitor 8 is equal to that to one enlarged thumbnail, the number
of pixels of the display image data is much greater than that of the
thumbnail image data. Thus, the replacement of image data in step S378
causes improvement of the resolution of display.

[0309] Then the flow advances to step S380 to check whether or not all the
thumbnail image data on the first monitor 8 are replaced by corresponding
display image data. If not, the flow returns to step S374 to
automatically designate the next thumbnail in the predetermined order.
Thus, the steps S374 to S380 is repeated until step S380 detects that all
the thumbnail image data are replaced by corresponding display image
data.

[0310] If it is determined in step 380 that all of the thumbnail image
data are replaced by corresponding display image data, the flow advances
to step S382 to check whether or not a scroll operation to view other
thumbnails is done within a predetermined time period. If done, the flow
returns to step S372 to display thumbnails which have not appeared on the
first monitor 8 before the scroll operation. If the display in step S372
caused by the scroll operation consists of a mixture of newly appearing
images and already existing images, the already existing images are
displayed on the basis of display image data having replaced the
corresponding thumbnail image data. Thus, every time when scroll
operation for new thumbnails is detected in step S382, the flow returns
to step S372 for carrying out steps S374 to S380 for replacing data of
newly appearing thumbnails by corresponding display image data.

[0311] Though not shown in FIG. 22, a step may be inserted between step
S372 and S374 to check whether or not all of the thumbnail image data are
replaced by corresponding display image data. And, if it is determined in
the additional step that all of the thumbnail image data are replaced by
corresponding display image data respectively, the flow directly goes to
step S382 . . . ,

[0312] If it is not detected in step S382 that a scroll operation is done
within a predetermined time period, the flow goes to step 384 to check
whether or not an image selecting operation is done to display the
selected one image in the full area of the first monitor 8. If not, the
flow returns to step 382 to thereafter repeat steps S382 and S384 unless
one of the scroll operation or image selecting operation is done.

[0313] If it is detected in step S384 that an image selecting operation is
done within a predetermined time period, the flow goes to step 386 to
download the data of the selected image, which is of a size including
sufficient number of pixels suitable for display in the full area of the
first monitor 8.

[0314] Next is step S388, it is checked whether or not a print selecting
operation is done within a predetermined time period. If a print
selecting operation is done, the flow goes to step S390 to download the
main image data of the full-size, which is of the greatest number of
pixels among a plurality of sizes of images for the same photograph. Then
the flow goes to step S392 to input "download mark" as its attribute.
This is to distinguish the downloaded full-size image data from the
full-size image data taken by the first digital camera 1 and not uploaded
yet. In other words, the full-size image data with "download mark" cannot
be uploaded. Thus, a full-size image data taken by another and downloaded
is automatically prevented from being uploaded in error due to the
"download mark". The downloaded full-size image data is sent to the first
home printer 16 to make print under control of the first personal
computer 7.

[0315] Step S392 is followed by step S394, while the flow directly goes
from step S388 to step S394 if it is not detected in step S288 that a
print selecting operation is done within a predetermined time period. In
step S394, it is checked whether or not the selection display operation
is done within a predetermined time period.

[0316] If it is detected in step S294 that the selection display operation
is done within the predetermined time period, the flow returns to step
S372 to display again the plurality of images at a glance for selection.
Thus, the flow repeats form step S372 to step S394 as long as it is
detected in step S294 that the selection display operation is done within
the predetermined time period.

[0317] On the other hand, if it is not detected in step S294 that the
selection display operation is done within the predetermined time period,
the flow goes to step S396 to check whether or not the image feed
operation is done within the predetermined time period. If the image feed
operation is detected, the next or the last image in the order of display
in step S372 is selected in response to the direction of image feeding
given by the operation, the flow then returns to step S386, in which the
data of the newly selected image, which is of a size including sufficient
number of pixels suitable for display in the full area of the first
monitor 8, is downloaded.

[0318] On the other hand, if it is not detected in step S396 that the
image feed operation is done within the predetermined time period, the
flow returns to step S388. Thus, the steps S388 to S396 are repeated with
the display of the image downloaded in step S386 maintained unless the
operation is detected in step S394 or step S396.

[0319] In response to an interruption caused by some other operation of
the first personal computer 7, the flow can go out of the flow of FIG. 22
in any time to jump into the function directed by the operation.

[0320]FIG. 23 is a flow chart of the function of camera controller 31 of
the first digital camera 1 relating to advertisement. The flow of FIG. 23
relates to the function for treating advertisement to be affixed to the
image as the tag in the advertisement utilizing process in FIG. 19 or
Weblog input in relation to the image. The information to be treated by
the flow of FIG. 23 is mainly the advertising information relating to tag
affixed by others or of the Weblog input by others in relation to the
image.

[0321] The flow of FIG. 23 automatically starts when the first digital
camera 1 comes into the communication range of the advertiser such as a
shop with the first digital camera 1 is set into a condition of accepting
the advertisement. Or, the flow also automatically starts when the bar
code advertisement is read by image taking portion 33 of the first
digital camera 1. If the first digital camera in the photo taking mode is
set into a condition of accepting the advertisement, advertisement image
is displayed on auxiliary window 93 of display 40 of FIG. 7 as well as
video image 91. Also, in the playback mode of FIG. 5, advertisement image
is displayed at the position corresponding to auxiliary window 93 of
display 40 in FIG. 7 as well as display image 71.

[0322] If the flow automatically starts in the above manner, step S402
gets the advertisement information by way of one or both of local
wireless communicator 39 or image taking portion 33 reading barcodes. The
gotten advertising information includes a shop name tag to be affixed to
the image data. Next in step $404, it is checked whether or not the
gotten information includes barcode information.

[0323] If it is not detected in step S404 that gotten information includes
barcode information, the information is considered to be gotten only
through local wireless communicator 39, which can receive an
advertisement of the neighboring shop not necessarily in the vision of
the first user in contrast that a barcode would be gotten form the image
of the shop which the first user is actually watching. So, the flow goes
to step S406 to get information through GPS and direction sensor 44.
Next, in step S408, the positions of and relative relationship between
the advertise shop and the first user are determined on the basis of the
information gotten in steps S402 and S406 to display the map and route
for the first user to get to the shop.

[0324] The next step S410 checks whether of not the first digital camera 1
is within the communication range of a wireless access point. It is
normally expected that the advertising shop sending the advertising
information through its own wireless communication system is also a
general wireless access point capable of wireless communication through
Internet. However, the check in step S410 is necessary since the
advertiser is not necessarily serving as such a general wireless access
point but a local wireless communication system capable of sending the
advertising information only.

[0325] If it is detected in step S410 that the first digital camera 1 is
within the communication range of a wireless access point, the flow
advances to step S412 to search though Internet an image to which a tag
identical with the tag sent form the advertising shop is affixed. And, if
any, the first digital camera 1 displays the image on display 40. Thus,
not only the advertising information directly sent from the advertising
shop, but also relating image searched through Internet is gotten, which
makes it easier for the first user to find the shop. The flow then
advances to step S414.

[0326] On the contrary, if it is not detected in step S410 that the first
digital camera 1 is within the communication range of a wireless access
point, the flow directly goes to step S414. By the way, if it is detected
in step S404 that the gotten information includes barcode information,
the flow goes to step S416 since it means that the first user is in front
of to the advertising shop and trains the first digital camera 1 on it.
In step S404, accordingly, the first digital camera makes a notice on
display 40 or an announce to inform the first user that the advertising
shop is visible in front of the first user, the flow then going to step
S414. In this case, the steps for map and route or image display relating
to the shop are skipped since they are not necessary.

[0327] In step S414, the advertising information gotten in step S402 is
displayed on display 40. The advertising information is created by the
advertiser such as a shop itself on its own position. The flow then goes
to step 418 to check whether or not the first digital camera 1 is within
the communication range of any of wireless access points.

[0328] If within the communication range, the flow advances to step S420
to jump to URL for Weblog input on the image to which the tag relating to
the shop such as its name is affixed. The gotten Weblog is displayed on
display 40 in step 422, the flow then going to the end. The disyplayed
Weblog may include introductions or recommendations or impression of the
shop input by customers visiting the chop, which seem toward the shop.
The Weblog is updated by the general public on a daily basis, which may
include sincere criticisms against the shop. But, it is the shop itself
to have all the responsibility of the contents of Weblog. In other words,
the attractiveness of the shop itself finally controls the contents of
Weblog, which is more powerful advertisement than that prepared by the
shop by itself.

[0329] Steps S418 to S422 are not only function succeeding step S414 but
also can function more generally. In other words, in FIG. 23, Steps S418
to S422 are triggered by a receipt of the shop name tag gotten by way of
one or both of local wireless communicator 39 or image taking portion 33
when the first user actually visits the .neighborhood of the shop.
However, steps S418 to S422 can be generally triggered when the shop name
tag is gotten in any way including a case that the tag is hit through a
search through Internet on the basis of some keyword relating to area or
category of business. Thus, the first user can read the Weblog on the
shop even if he or she does not actually visit the .neighborhood of the
shop. In other words, such Weblog can serve as a good traveler's book on
an occasion of planning a travel at home.

[0330] The above described embodiments relate to the system including
digital cameras such as the first digital camera 1 and second digital
camera 2 each having local wireless communicator 39. However, the present
invention is not limited to such a system, but is applicable to a system
including mobile phones each with digital camera such as the first
digital camera 1 built-in. One embodiment in this case is to simply
integrate mobile phone with the first digital camera 1, the function of
which can be easily understood in accordance with the explanation above
for the first and second embodiments.

[0331] In such an integrated embodiment is advantageous in functional
cooperation between the first digital camera 1 and the mobile phone,
especially the functions of steps lead by S226 in FIG. 16. In other
words, there is no necessity of connecting the first digital camera 1 to
the mobile phone with cable or local wireless communication system in
case a necessity of connecting Internet by way of the mobile phone caused
due to the first digital camera 1 going out of communication range of the
wireless access point. This is because that the first digital camera 1
and the mobile phone are in communication with each other every time as
an integral device.

[0332] Another embodiment is to integrate mobile phone with the first
digital camera 1 with such a modification made that the access to
Internet by way of wireless access point is replaced by that by way of
phone line regardless of whether or not the integrated device is within
the communication range of a wireless access point. In other words, the
local wireless communicator 39 does not communicate with Internet, but
receives only local information such as notable site tag or advertising
tag. In such a modified embodiment, the functions of the local wireless
communicator 39 through Internet in the description of the first and
second embodiments are understood as the functions of the phone line
communicator of the mobile phone.

[0333] As is apparent from the above, "digital camera" generally means not
only a digital camera separated form mobile phone, but also mobile phone
integrated with the digital camera unless the description is specially
directed to only one of them with clear identification